unit1.2-vertebral column Flashcards
19.07.11 vertebral Columbia
List the vertebrae and describe.
33 vertebrae
- 7 cervical
- 12 thoracic
- 5 lumbar
- 5 sacral(fused)
- 4 coccygeal(fused)

name the parts of the typical veritbrae

vertebral body-weightbearing part of the vertebrae.
vertebral arch-forms the lateral and posterior parts of the vertebral foramen
vertebral canal-contains and protects the spinal cord. continues through the magnum foramun. each arch consists of predicles and laminae
- pedicles-bony pillars that attach the vertebral arch to the vertibral body
- laminae-flat sheets of bone that extend from each pedicle to meet in the midline and form the roof of the vertebral arch
Spinous process-junction of the two laminae, site for muscle and ligament attachment
transverse process-site for muscle attachment and rib articulation
superior and inferior articular processes- articulate with adjacent vertebrae
superior and inferior vertebral notches-participate in forming intervertebral formaina. Origin of articular processes, each pedicle is notched on its superior and inferior surfaces.

Define regions and characterize purpose.




What is the difference between the two bones. How can this be fixed?

Stenosis of the vertebral foramen.
laminectomy can relieve the pressure.



where the inferior articular porcesses interact with the superior articular processes is a Zygapophysial joint. These synovial joints permit gliding, and are prone to osteoarthritis. osteophytes can compress the spinal nerve at IV foramen




C3-C7 have prominent uncus.
the uncinate process form unconvertable joints ( ofLuschka) with the articulate surface above.
This is also a common site for osteophyte formation, Bone spurs.

what cervical vertebrae are atypical describe them

c1-atlas
c2-axis
c7-vertebrae prominens

discuss properties of the first cervical vertebrae



Where are the IVD?

What are two important craniovertebral joints? describe the motion and details regarding injury.

the median atlantoaxial joint- providing the yes movment
- the transverse ligament holds the odontoid process to the atlas.
- is the sight of injury for whiplash patients
- atlanto axial subluxation
- absent or loose in many downsyndrome patients
- is the sight of injury for whiplash patients
the lateral atlantoaxial joint-providing the sliding movment

describe the pathway for the left and right carotid artery to the brain
The carotid arteries travel the neck and enter the transverse foramen of C6 and travel up through the 5,4,3,2 foramen and over the posterior lateral side of the atlas into the magnum foramen.
the C7 vertebrae lacks a transverse foramen.

describe C7, how is it involved with the subclavian artery.
vertebra prominens, has a costal region for the costal rib attachment. This site is known for the pinching of the subclavian artery against musle. can lead to a condition known as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome



where does the spinal cord end?

the mamilary body is the attachment point for the multifidus muscle
The spinal cord ends at L2 and turns into the cau

describe the dorsal side
Where is the weight transfered from the spine.
Describe the flow of the nerves from the cauda equina.

the dorsal side is the location of the sacral haitus, palpated by the sacral cornua on either side.
Sacral canal contains dura sac to lower border of S2
The weight is transfered to the liegs through the sacroiliac joint.
4 anterior foramina for anterior rami + 4 posterior foramina for posterior rami
sacral haitus - site for madicine injection

Describe how the spinal development from embryo to adult generates the different curves.
initially the curve is concave, when the infants starts walking, the cerivical and lumbar produce secondary curves.
Describe the coccyx
four fused vertebrae.
Non weight bearing structure

Describe and list 6 ligaments that connect the spine.
give the a general description
- anterior longitudinal ligament
- alond the anterior aspects of the vertebral bodies and intervertegral discs; it is the only ligament that helps to limit extension of vertebral column
- consider whiplash injury
- alond the anterior aspects of the vertebral bodies and intervertegral discs; it is the only ligament that helps to limit extension of vertebral column
- posterior longitudinal ligament
- along the posterior aspect of the bodies and intervertbral discs; it helps limit flexion.
- becomes the tectorial membrane
- ligamenta flava
- joining the laminae of adjacent vertebrae; they help limit flexion and assist with extension of the flexed column
- interspinous ligament
- between adjacent spinous processes
- supraspinous ligament
- connects the tips of spinous processes C7 to the sacrum
- nuchal ligament
- is the expanded supraspinous ligament in the cervical region
- serve as muscle attachment for trapezius
- supports head, resists flexion and facilitates returning the head to anatomical position



- anterior longitudinal ligament
- alond the anterior aspects of the vertebral bodies and intervertegral discs; it is the only ligament that helps to limit extension of vertebral column
- consider whiplash injury
- alond the anterior aspects of the vertebral bodies and intervertegral discs; it is the only ligament that helps to limit extension of vertebral column
- posterior longitudinal ligament
- along the posterior aspect of the bodies and intervertbral discs; it helps limit flexion



















