Unit 2- Vertebral Column Flashcards
List the functions of the vertebral
column (hint: there are 4)
- Protection for spinal cord & surrounding meninges, and spinal nerves
- Supports the weight of the body
- Site of muscle attachment
- Controls and limits torso movement
Identify the regions of vertebral column and the number of vertebrae in each region
Cervical Region- 7
Thoracic Region- 12
Lumbar Region- 5
Sacrum Region- 5
Coccyx Region- 4
What feature separates the individual vertebra in the vertebral column?
curvature
What is the difference between a primary vertebral curvature and a
secondary vertebral curvature?
primary- developed during fetal period (3rd-9th month)
-concave anteriorly
secondary- complete development after birth
-concave posteriorly
What regions of the vertebral column are primary curvatures?
-thoracic + sacral/ pelvic
What regions of the vertebral column are secondary curvatures?
-cervical + lumbar
In a person able to give birth, why might a more acute lumbosacral angle be beneficial?
Identify the features that indicate the anterior, posterior, and lateral sides of a typical vertebra.
Vertebral Body- anterior
Spinous Process- posterior
Transverse Process- lateral
What features combine to form the vertebral/neural arch?
Pedicle + Lamina
In a single vertebra, the spinal cord passes through the _______.
vertebral foramen
An intervertebral foramen is formed by the _____ and _____.
inferior vertebral notch + superior vertebral notch
What passes through the
intervertebral foramen?
spinal nerves
Explain the difference between a vertebral foramen and the
vertebral canal.
vertebral foramen- single opening
Vertebral canal- multiple openings (vertebral foramens stacked make a vertebral canal)
What vessel passes through the transverse foramen?
vertebral arteries
How can you easily identify a cervical, thoracic, and lumber vertebra?
Cervical- looks like elephant
Thoracic- looks like giraffe
Lumbar- looks like moose
What are key features of a cervical vertebra?
has transverse foramen + most have Bifid Spinous Process
What features are characteristic of a typical cervical vertebra?
transverse foramen + most have Bifid Spinous Process
Describe the appearance and function of the C1 vertebra. What is the other name for C1?
Atlas- holds up the skull and swivels around the axis (creates the “yes” motion when C1 articulates with the occipital condyles skull)
No body or spinous process; ring-like
Describe the appearance and function of the C2 vertebra. What is the other name for C2?
Axis- Ligaments support this mechanism of rotation for the cervical spine (creates no motion)
has Dens
Define Dens
Structure that initially would have been C1 body embryologically migrated to become the dens
What motion can occur due to C1 articulating with the skull? What motion can occur due to C1 articulating with C2?
C1- nodding yes
C2- shaking head no
What features are characteristic of
thoracic vertebrae?
costal facets
How many costal facets do thoracic vertebrae contain?
3
-superior costal facet
-inferior costal facet
-transverse costal facet
What features are characteristic of a lumbar vertebra?
How was the ala of the sacrum formed?
fused remnants of transverse processes
What passes through the anterior and posterior sacral foramina?
What fuses together to form the median sacral crest?
Which bone articulates with the auricular surface of the sacrum?
The sacral hiatus is the
termination of what features?
Identify the parts of the
intervertebral disc and describe the function of each part.
Describe the functions of the stabilizing ligaments of the vertebral column.
Describe what happens when an intervertebral disc herniates.
Define Kyphosis, Lordosis, and Scoliosis
Where in the vertebral column will each abnormal curvature most likely occur?
