The Vertebral Column Flashcards
What are the three functions of the vertebral column?
- support the body’s weight/help maneuver limbs
- movement: extrinsic muscles, intrinsic muscles for posture
- protection of the CNS and PNS
How many vertebrae make up the axial skeleton?
26; cervical: 7, thoracic: 12, lumbar: 5, sacrum: 1, coccyx: 1
Describe the differences in the shape of the body of a cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae
circle, triangle, circle
vertebrae are stacked with ____ ___ between the bodies
intervertebral discs
The superior articular processes articulate with what?
the inferior articular process of the vertebrae above
Characteristic projections of vertebrae serve as what 3 things?
- muscle and ligament attachment
- levers for muscles
- sites of articulations with other vertebrae
What plane do the facets of a typical cervical vertebra face?
facets face near coronal plane -> rotation and lateral flexion together
Why is C1 special?
it holds the head (atlas), has no body or spinous process
What does the posterior articular facet for transverse ligament of atlas allow?
allows rotation between atlas and axis
What is the vertebral prominens on the 7th cervical vertebrae?
the inferior attachment of the ligament nuchae
Which direction do the transverse processes project in thoracic vertebrae?
infero-posteriorly -> rib tubercle
Which direction do the spinous processes project in thoracic vertebrae?
posteriorly
How many tubercles are located on the transverse process of lumbar vertebrae?
3
True or false?
gaps between the spinous processes and laminae become smaller in flexion
false; larger
Which plane are the articular processes of lumbar vertebrae oriented?
sagittal plane
The sacrum is a fusion of 5 vertebrae. When does this fusion occur?
ages 16-18, complete fusion by 26
What attaches on the coccyx?
filum terminale
Describe the primary and secondary curvatures.
primary: concave anterior
secondary: concave posterior
The following description is of what type of clinical correlation?
abnormal curvature in the thoracic region (hunchback)
kyphosis
The following description is of what type of clinical correlation?
abnormal curvature of the lumbar region (swayback)
lordosis
The following description is of what type of clinical correlation?
abnormal lateral curvature
scoliosis
What type of joints are found between vertebral bodies?
symphyses
note: starts with c2/c3
What two things make up the symphyses joint between vertebra?
hyaline cartilage + intervertebral discs
What type of joints are found between articular facets?
zygapophysial joint
