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ANAT102 > Topic 8: Bones & Joints of the vertebral column > Flashcards

Topic 8: Bones & Joints of the vertebral column Flashcards

1
Q

Functions of the vertebral column

A
  1. support upper body weight
  2. protect spinal cord & nerves
  3. allow trunk movement
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2
Q

How many vertebrae in the cervical region?

A

7

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3
Q

How many vertebrae in the thoracic region?

A

12

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4
Q

How many vertebrae in the Lumbar region?

A

5

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5
Q

How many vertebrae in the sacral region?

A

5 fused

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6
Q

How many vertebrae in the coccygeal region?

A

4 fused

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7
Q

General characteristics of vertebral body

A
  1. weight bearing
  2. movement
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8
Q

General characteristics of vertebral arch

A
  1. protection
  2. movement
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9
Q

General characteristics of vertebral foramen/ canal

A
  1. passageway –> for nerve tissue
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10
Q

What does the pedicle connect?

A

the vertebral arch to the body

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11
Q

what are the 2 sets of processes on the vertebrae?

A
  1. transverse processes
  2. spinous processes
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12
Q

What is the lamina

A
  • region of bone between spinous processes and transverse processes
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13
Q

What is the thickest part of the lamina called?

A

pars interarticularis

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14
Q

What 2 notches are on the vertebrae?

A
  1. superior intervertebral notch
  2. inferior intervertebral notch
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15
Q

what articular processes are there?`

A
  1. superior articular process
  2. inferior articular process with articular facet
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16
Q

what happens when the intervertebral notches articulate?

A

turn into canals - nerves exit the VC here

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17
Q

The intervertebral canals = bound by?

A
  1. IV disc in front
  2. bone of the pedicle above & below
  3. Z jts behind
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18
Q

JTS OF THE VERT COLUMN
1. classify the interbody jt (intervertebral disc)

A

modified fibrocartilaginous symphysis

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19
Q

Components of the Interbody Jt

A
  1. cartilage end plate
  2. annulus fibrosis
  3. nucleus pulposis
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20
Q

what is the annulus fibrosis?

A

alternating layers of dense regular connective tissue

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21
Q

What consistency is the nucleus pulposis?

A

toothpaste like consistency

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22
Q

what is the cartilage end plate?

A

cartilage disc

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23
Q

Functions of the cartilage end plate

A
  1. transmits weight to adjacent vert body
  2. confines nucleus pulposis & annulus fibrosis
  3. role in securing nutrition for disc
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24
Q

Functions of the annulus fibrosis

A
  1. retain the nucleus pulposus (keeps it in centre)
  2. allow & limit movement
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25
Functions of the nucleus pulposus
1. shock absorber --> rapidly applied loads are temporarily diverted into bracing the annulus fibrosis 2. force distributor (dissipates forces down)
26
what do the IV discs vary in?
thickness & shape
27
where are the IV discs thickest & thinnest in?
1. thickest in lumbar region 2. thinnest in upper thoracic region --> facilitates greater movement
28
are the IV discs avascular?
yes
29
where do IV discs gain nutrition from?
1. diffusion from vertebral bodies 2. imbibing fluids `
30
what are IV discs only supplied with?
nerves at their peripherary
31
how much length do the IV discs contribute to in the VC?
25%
32
What is the annulus fibrosis like in the lumbar region
consists of alternating layers oriented 65-70 degrees to vertical -- limits movement in all directions
33
Where is the IV disc thickest in the lumbar region?
anteriorly
34
What is the nucleus pulposus like in the cervical region?
very small & has disappeared by early adult life
35
what does the annulus fibrosis develop at the start of adolescence?
horizontal fissures
36
Function of the interbody joint
determine movement
37
what does the oblique orientation of annulus fibres in the interbody joint mean?
shear movements in every direction are limited
38
what does the length of annulus fibres in the interbody joint mean?
rocking movements are allowed
39
another function of the interbody joint
weight bearing
40
weight bearing in the IV disc results in:
1. transmission of load to adjacent vertebra via end plate 2. shock absorption 3. increased effectiveness of annulus fibrosis in weight-bearing 4. reformation of IV disc
41
what happens to the nucleus pulposis in weight bearing load?
- radial expansion of nucleus pulposis
42
what happens to the annulus fibrosis in weight bearing?
tension (transfers load to inferior vertebrae)
43
what do interbody joints contribute to?
normal vertebral column curvature
44
in the lordotic curve, where are the discs thicker?
anteriorly
45
what is the function of the normal curvature of VC?
increase the shock absorbing function of the VC
46
what regions of the VC are kyphotic? (primary/structural curve)
thoracic/ sacral regions
47
what regions of the VC are lordotic? (secondary/ functional curve)--> grows to help with function e.g. head control (cervical)
cervical/ lumbar regions
48
where does the Line of gravity pass through in the VC?
through the junctions of normal VC curves (pass through the boundary between kyphotic and lordotic curves)
49
JOINTS OF THE VC 1. Zygapophyseal joint classify
synovial, multiaxial, plane
50
articular surfaces of Z joint
superior and inferior articular facets
51
articular capsule of the Z joint
- loose but reinforced by: 1. ligamentum flavum 2. multifidus
52
Functions of the Z joint
1. to determine the direction of VC movement 2. to determine the range of VC movement 3. to bear weight (67% in cervical region, 15% in lumbar region)
53
what determines the VC movements?
articular triad
54
what does the articular triad consist of?
1. interbody joint 2. z jt of each vertebral level
55
movements of the VC
1. flexion/ extension 2. right and left lateral flexion 3. right and left rotation
56
what is the relationship between the segmental ROM and total ROM
segmental ROM = small total ROM = large
57
what is the orientation of the superior articular facets in the cervical region (C3-7)
tipped forward from the coronal plane
58
what is conjunct rotation of the cervical region?
ipsilateral coupling with lateral flexion
59
how much flexion/ extension is present in the cervical region?
large range - IV disc degeneration (fissures in annulus fibrosis)
60
what develops when the IV disc degenerates in the cervical region?
uncovertebral joints -- allows for greater ROM
61
is the upper cervical vertebrae (C1-2) contralateral/ ipsilateral rotation?
contralateral
62
Orientation of the superior articular facets in the thoracic region
close to the coronal plane
63
how much movement, and in what direction, is allowed in thoracic region?
equal range of movements in all directions
64
why is all movements limited in the thoracic region?
due to ribs & tissues around ribs
65
what is the shape of the superior articular facets in the upper lumbar region?
"J-shaped"
66
what happens to the movement in the lumbar region in the sagittal portion?
very very limited rotation
67
what is the benefit of the J shaped facets in the coronal portion?
protection for IV disc (important for weight bearing)
68
what movements are good in the lumbar region?
- good flex/ ext & lateral flex
69
what movements are not so good in the lumbar region?
poor rotation
70
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 1. anterior longitudinal ligament where does it extend from?
from C1 to sacrum -- attaching to anterior surfaces of vertebral bodies and discs
71
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 1. anterior longitudinal ligament how many segments do the outer fibres span across?
3-4 segments (more superficial)
72
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 1. anterior longitudinal ligament how many segments do the inner fibres span across?
1 segment (deeper)
73
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 1. anterior longitudinal ligament what does this ligament limit?
extension
74
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 2. posterior longitudinal ligament Where does it extend from?
C2 to sacrum -- attaching to posterior surfaces of margins of vertebral bodies and discs
75
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 2. posterior longitudinal ligament What is the posterior longitudinal ligament separated from the vertebral bodies by?
venous plexus
76
where is the posterior longitudinal ligament weak and narrow?
lumbar area
77
what movement does the post longitudinal ligament limit?
flexion
78
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 3. Ligamentum Flavum What does this ligament contain a lot of?
elastic tissue
79
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 3. Ligamentum Flavum What does it connect?
the laminae of adjacent vertebrae - passes from the posterior surface of the lamina of one vertebrae to the anterior surface of the lamina of the vertebra above
80
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 3. Ligamentum Flavum What does it attach to?
anterior part of capsule of the Z joints
81
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 3. Ligamentum Flavum Functions
1. "brake" flexion (slow it down) 2. protect Z joint capsules 3. protect neural tissue
82
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 4. Supraspinous ligament What does it connect?
Apices of spinous processes from C7 to sacrum
83
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 4. Supraspinous ligament Where may it be absent?
Low lumbar area
84
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 4. Supraspinous ligament What does it expand as over the cervical area?
ligamentum nuchae
85
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 4. Supraspinous ligament What movement does it limit?
flexion
86
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 5. Interspinous ligament What does it connect?
spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae
87
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 5. Interspinous ligament What movement does it limit?
flexion
88
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 6. Intertransverse ligament What does it connect?
transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae
89
LIGAMENTS OF THE VC 6. Intertransverse ligament What movement does it limit?
Lateral flexion
90
JOINTS OF THE CERVICAL SPINE What are the 2 main classes of joints of the cervical spine?
1. Craniovertebral joints 2. Joints of lower cervical spine (C3-7)
91
What does the craniovertebral joints encompass?
occipital condyles, C1& C2
92
what are the 2 joints in the craniovertebral joints?
1. atlanto-occipital joints 2. atlanto-axial joints --> median --> lateral
93
What are the 3 joints of the lower cervical spine (C3-7)?
1. zygapophyseal joints 2. interbody joints 3. uncovertebral joints
94
JOINTS OF THE LOWER CERVICAL SPINE 1. Z joint Articular facets
lie in the coronal plane -- results in ipsilateral coupling of lateral flexion & rotation in the cervical spine tilted anteriorly --> large flexion/ extension ROM --> no protection for cervical IV disc which = fissuring in annulus fibrosis
95
What size is the nucleus pulposis in the cervical vertebrae?
very small
96
What happens to the nucleus pulposis in the cervical region by the 3rd decade?
disappeared --> reflects a decreased weight bearing role
97
Where is the annulus fibrosis (cervical) thin?
posteriorly
98
What is the annulus fibrosis not composes of (cervical)
alternating layers of collagen fibres (less weight bearing)
99
What happens to the annulus fibrosis from 1st decade?
begins to develop horizontal fissures --> increase to completely divide disc in half in many elderly people -- reflects decreased role of cervical Z articular surfaces in protecting IV discs -- reflects large range of cervical spine movement
100
2. UNCOVERTEBRAL JOINTS What are they between
synovial joints between cervical bodies lateral to IV discs --> between uncus of vertebra below and vertebral body of vertebra above
101
2. UNCOVERTEBRAL JOINTS How do they develop?
as annulus fibrosis degenerates, to permit large ROM of cervical region
102
CRANIOVERTEBRAL JOINTS
1. atlanto-occipital joints 2. atlanto-axial joints
103
C1- Atlas What landmarks are seen anteriorly?
1. facet for dens 2. superior articular facet 3. transverse process
104
C1- Atlas What landmarks are seen posteriorly?
1. posterior arch
105
C2- Axis What landmarks are seen anteriorly?
1. dens 2. superior articular facets 3. transverse process
106
C2- Axis What landmarks are seen posteriorly?
1. spinous process 2. body
107
What does the dens look like?
a tooth (DENtist)
108
what is the function of the dens?
axis of rotation between C1&C2)
109
1. ATLANTO-OCCIPITAL JOINTS Classification
synovial, biaxial, condyloid (often considered ellipsoid)
110
1. ATLANTO-OCCIPITAL JOINTS Movements
- flexion/ extension - lateral flexion & rotation coupled contralaterally
111
1. ATLANTO-OCCIPITAL JOINTS Articular surfaces
- superior facets of atlas - occipital condyles of skull
112
1. ATLANTO-OCCIPITAL JOINTS Articular capsule
thin, loose
113
1. ATLANTO-OCCIPITAL JOINTS (ligaments) 1. anterior & posterior atlanto-occipital membranes limit what?
all movements @ atlanto-occipital joints
114
1. ATLANTO-OCCIPITAL JOINTS (ligaments) 2.
anterior & posterior atlanto-axial membranes
115
2. ATLANTO-AXIAL JOINTS What are the 3 jts between atlas & axis?
1. median atlanto-axial joint 2. 2 x lateral atlanto-axial joints
116
2. ATLANTO-AXIAL JOINTS Classification of the median atlanto-axial joint
Synovial, uniaxial, pivot
117
2. ATLANTO-AXIAL JOINTS Classification of the lateral atlanto-axial joints
synovial, multiaxial, plane (z joints)
118
2. ATLANTO-AXIAL JOINTS What is there at the atlas because it has no body?
IV disc
119
2. ATLANTO-AXIAL JOINTS Movement
- rotation (contralateral) - total range = 30 degrees
120
2. ATLANTO-AXIAL JOINTS Movement
- rotation (contralateral) - total range = 30 degrees
121
MEDIAN ATLANTO-AXIAL JOINT Articular surface
- dens (odontoid process) of axis - anterior arch of atlas - transverse ligament of atlas
122
MEDIAN ATLANTO-AXIAL JOINT Where are the 2 separate joint cavities between?
- dens & anterior arch of atlas - dens & transverse ligament
123
ATLANTO-AXIAL ligaments 1. transverse ligament of atlas What does it do?
holds dens firmly against anterior arch of atlas
124
ATLANTO-AXIAL ligaments 1. transverse ligament of atlas What movements does it limit?
anterior glide of atlas during flexion
125
ATLANTO-AXIAL ligaments 2. Apical ligament of dens
tip of dens to occipital bone - keeps dens & occipital bone somewhat connected
126
ATLANTO-AXIAL ligaments 3. Tectorial membrane
superior continuation of posterior longitudinal ligament (@C1) - limits flexion
127
ATLANTO-AXIAL ligaments 4. Cruciform ligament What is it an extension of?
extension of transverse ligament as it passes over dens
128
ATLANTO-AXIAL ligaments 4. Cruciform ligament What does it attach to superiorly?
occipital bone
129
ATLANTO-AXIAL ligaments 4. Cruciform ligament What does it attach to inferiorly?
posterior surface of body of axis
130
ATLANTO-AXIAL ligaments 4. Cruciform ligament What movement does it limit?
flexion
131
ATLANTO-AXIAL ligaments 5. Alar (bilateral) From where to where?
from tip of dens to occipital bone and lateral mass of atlas
132
ATLANTO-AXIAL ligaments 5. Alar (bilateral) What movements does it limit?
1. flexion 3. contralateral rotation 3. lateral flexion
133
Ligamentum nuchae
not a "true" ligament of the neck
134
Ligamentum nuchae- what is it?
unique arrangement of tendons and fascia between posterior neck muscles
135
Ligamentum nuchae- where does it go?
external occipital protuberance to spinous processes of C7

ANAT102 (9 decks)

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