Thoracic and Spinal Mechanics

Question 1

What are the features of a Thoracic Vertebrae

Answer 1

Body

Medium sized

Heart shaped

Costal facets

Spinous process

Long

Slope postero-inferiorly

Question 2

What are the features of a Lumbar Vertebrae

Answer 2

Large size

Kidney shaped

Spinous Processes

Short, broad

Question 3

How are the superior articular facets organized through out the spine?

Answer 3

Cervical - BUN

Thoracic - BUL

Lumbar - BM

Question 4

Strong, broad fibrous band that covers and connects the anterolateral aspects of the vertebral bodies and IV discs

Limits extension

Answer 4

Anterolongitudinal ligament

Question 5

Narrower, somewhat weaker band that runs within the vertebral canal along the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies

Resists hyperflexion

Prevents posterior herniation of nucleus pulposus

Answer 5

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Question 6

Connect the laminae of adjacent vertebra

Answer 6

Lamina Flava

Question 7

• Connects adjoining spinous processes

Answer 7

• Interspinous Ligaments

Question 8

Connects adjoining transverse processe

Answer 8

• Intertransverse Ligaments