vertberal column anatomy Flashcards
what do kyphotic and lordotic mean
kyphotic are parts of the spone that curve inward, lordotic is outwards
whats the primary and secondary curves
he kyphotic parts are the primary curvature. These are formed before birth and in this time the whole vertebral column Is concaved forward.
Secondary curature are those which are lordotic. These are the cervical and lumbar regions. These develop as the infant starts to lift the head up and stand.
what does the vertebrae typically consist of
typical vertebrae consist of the vertebral body region and the vertebral arch region. Pedicle connects these two regions. Spinous process is connected to the transverse processes by the lamina.
characteristic features of cervical vertebrae
C3-C7 are the typical ones
small, delicate saddle shaped body. saddle shape is due to the uncinate process
the spinous process are short and bifud - except c7
transverse process have transverse foramen in them, this is where the vertebral artery runs to the brain.
the articulate surfaces are flat
describe the atlas
C1, the one holding the cranium. has no vertebral body or spinous process.
superiorly articulates with the occipital condyles of cranium. inferiorly articulates with axis of C2.
articulates with the acet for the dens inferiroly
describe the axis
the C2. has a dense odontoid process, somewhat bifud spinous process.
this allows the shaking of the head due to the dens articulating with C1
what do the atlanto-occipital joints and atlanto-axial joints do
Atlanto-occipital joint. Functions for flexion and extension at the neck - yes joint.
Atlanto-axial joint is for left and right rotation so the no joint.
whats the characterisitc of the throacic vertebrae
has 2 demi facets, superior and inferior. superior for articulation with head of own rib, inferior for articulation with head of rib below.
the full facet is there for articulation with its own rib.
the spinous process is long, posterior and inferiorly directed.
characteristic of the lumbar vertebrae
Large kidney shaped vertebral bodies. Triangular vertebral foramina. The transverse process are long and slender. The spinous process - key way to identify - is short, large and thick.
Also the superior articular surface of these vertebrae are C shaped.
why do we lumbar puncture at the lumbar vertebrae
There is space between the lumbar vertebrae due to the size of the transverse processes. This makes it relatively easy to access the vertebral canal for clinical things like CSF sample taking. The lumbar puncture or spinal tap is what its called.
characteristic of sacrum
anteriroly has the anterior sacral lamina and the sacral promontory - which is the start of the sacrum
there are large factes on the sacrum to articulate with the pelvis
Posteriorly is the same foramin but now the posterior sacral lamina. There is also the sacral canal. There is a sacral hiatus, hiatus as its not completely covered by spinous processes.
describe the z joints joints
plane synovial joints. called Z joints. synovial joints between the articular processes of inferior and superior vertebrae.
The orientation of the articular surfaces dictates the types of movement in each region.
what movements do the Z joints allow in each spinal region
Cervical: flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation. As flat posterior going surface.
Thoracic while being flat allow rotation/lateral flexion. But limited flexion and extension - this is due to the presence of the ribs
Lumbar is C shaped so allows flexion and extension but not much rotation or lateral flexion.
describe the interveetebral disc
fibrocartilagenous joints between vertebrae. outer is the annular oriented fibres in the annular fibrosis
the middle is more gelatinous its the nucleus pulposis
these are the shock absorbers of the spine. the annular fibres transmitting force bit
what complications arise from intervertebral discs
Discs can degenerate, which can lead to bulge or collapse. Disc can leak and become herniated which will but pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Lumbar disc prolapse typically affects nerve exciting below the disc space. This can also occur when the nucleus pulposis leaks out, or presses against the annulus forcing it out.
