unit 4 Flashcards
what structure is the most posterior aspect of a typical vertebra and serves as an attachment point for muscles & ligaments
spinous process
what are the lateral projections extending from each side of a typical vertebra
transverse processes
what is the function of the intervertebral discs
to cushion & separate the vertebrae
what is the name of the canal that contains the spinal cord
vertebral foramen
what is the most anterior portion of a typical vertebra
vertebral body
what joint is formed by the superior & inferior articular facets
zygapophyseal joints
what do the pedicles and laminae form together in a typical vertebra
the vertebral arch
where are the spinal nerves located as they extend from the spinal cord into the body
within the intervertebral foramen
what is the term for the bony projections on the posterior side of the vertebral arch
spinous processes
how is the atlas (C1) structurally different from other cervical vertebrae
it has no body or spinous process
what is a unique feature of all cervical vertebrae
transverse foramina
what is a distinguishing feature of the seventh cervical vertebra
it lacks a bifid spinous process
what is the function of the transverse foramina in cervical vertebrae
to allow passage of the vertebral arteries
where do the lateral masses (ala) of the sacrum articulate with the pelvis
with the iliac bones
what is the name of the opening at the inferior border of the 5th sacral segment
sacral hiatus
what is the sacral promontory
the ridge on the anterior surface of the sacrum
what is the function of the sacral foramina
to allow passage of nerves
what do the transverse processes of the sacrum form
the lateral masses
how many fused vertebral segments make up the sacrum
5
what does the central canal of the spinal cord contain
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
the continuation of the ventricular system of the brain in the spinal cord is known as the
central canal
what is the function of the central canal
to circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
where does the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) attach to the spinal column?
along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies
which of the following ligaments helps to maintain the integrity of the vertebral canal by connecting the laminae
ligamentum flavum
the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) attaches along which aspect of the vertebrae
the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies
what ligament forms the anterior surface of the vertebral canal
posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL)
how does the supraspinous ligament contribute to vertebral stability
by running along the posterior edge of the spinous processes
which ligament attaches between the laminae of adjacent vertebrae
ligamentum flavum
where is the supraspinous ligament located
along the posterior edge of the spinous processes
what structure does the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) attach to
the vertebral bodies
which ligament attaches between adjacent spinous processes
interspinous ligament
the transversospinal muscles are known for their role in
flexing & rotating the vertebral column
which muscle group includes the splenius capitis
superficial layer
which muscles are located in the superficial layer of the back
splenius cervicis
the erector spinae muscle group is primarily responsible for
extending the thoracic & lumbar spine
what muscle group helps form the posterior abdominal wall
quadratus lumborum
what muscle is part of the erector spinae muscle group
longissimus
