The Vertebral Column Flashcards
What are the four regions of the vertebral column?
Cervical (7), Thoracic (12), Lumbar (5), Sacrum (5 fused), Coccyx (3-4 fused)
What are the primary functions of the vertebral column?
Supports the thoracic cage
Provides muscle attachment
Protects the spinal cord
Absorbs shock
Produces and controls movement
What are the normal spinal curves and their classifications?
Lordosis (anterior convexity): Cervical & Lumbar
Kyphosis (posterior convexity): Thoracic & Sacrum
What is scoliosis?
A lateral curvature of the spine with a rotational component
What are the two main parts of a typical vertebra?
Vertebral body (anterior)
Vertebral arch (posterior) (Includes pedicles, laminae, and processes)
How many processes does a vertebra have?
7 processes: 2 superior articular, 2 inferior articular, 2 transverse, 1 spinous
What are the key features of a cervical vertebra?
Small, rectangular body
Large vertebral foramen
Transverse foramen in transverse processes
Bifid spinous process (except C7)
What are the key features of a thoracic vertebra?
Round body
Long slanted spinous process
Facet joints oriented vertically
Demi facets for rib articulation
What are the key features of a lumbar vertebra?
Large, wide body
Quadrangular spinous process
Mamillary process (muscle attachment)
Wrapped articular facets
What are the atypical cervical vertebrae?
C1 (Atlas): No body, articulates with the skull
C2 (Axis): Has the dens (odontoid process) for head rotation
C7 (Vertebra Prominens): Large, non-bifid spinous process
What are the atypical thoracic vertebrae?
T1, T10, T11, T12 have unique rib articulation features
What are the intervertebral joints?
Between vertebral bodies: Cartilaginous symphysis joint
Between articular processes: Synovial facet (zygapophysial) joints
What are the parts of an intervertebral disc?
Annulus Fibrosus: Outer ring of collagen layers (lamellae)
Nucleus Pulposus: Inner gelatinous core (88% water)
What is the function of an intervertebral disc?
Shock absorption
Load transition
Movement and stability
What is a common clinical issue with intervertebral discs?
Disc bulge or prolapse → Can cause back pain or nerve compression
Which bony landmarks are used for palpation of the vertebral column?
Spinous processes, transverse processes, sacral promontory
Where does the line of gravity pass in standing posture?
Ear lobe → Cervical vertebral bodies → Shoulder joint → Lumbar vertebrae → Slightly posterior to hip → Slightly anterior to knee & ankle
