vertebra Flashcards
What is the name of the first vertebra?
Atlas
What is the name of the second vertebra?
Axis
What is the function of the Atlas?
Allows the head to nod
What is the function of the Axis?
Allows the rotating movement of the head
Describe the Thoracic vertebra
Tall spinous process and short transverse process
Describe the lumbar vertebra
Short spinous process, enlarged transverse process which allows the lumbar muscles to attach to the vertebra
Describe the Sacral vertebra
Fused in the cat and dog into the sacrum
Describe coccygeal vertebra
Very small transverse and spinous process in a cube shape
What is the function of the intervertebral disks?
Work as shock absorbers and allows some flexibility of the spinal column
What is the name of the spaces between the vertebra?
Intervertebral disks
How many cervical vertebra are there in a cat or dog?
7
How many thoracic vertebra are there in a cat or dog?
13
How many Lumbar vertebra are there in a cat or dog?
7
How many Sacral vertebra are there in a cat or dog?
3
How many Coccygeal vertebra are there in a cat or dog?
between 3 and 23
List 3 functions of the vertebra
- contains the spinal chord
- moves the body and head
- absorbs the shock from movement
Why does the thoracic vertebra have taller spinal processes?
To provide protection for the vital organs
What makes up the axial skeleton?
Skull, spine, pelvis
How many vertebra doe the canine lumbar consist of?
7
Why is the Sacrum fused?
for minimal spine movement at the pelvis
What are the shock absorbers between the vertebras called?
intervertebral disks
What are the intervertebral disks made of?
Fibrocartilage
What is the name of the tough fibrous connective tissue outer area on the intervertebral disks?
Annulus fibrosus
What is the name of the gelatinous material that forms the core of the intervertebral disk?
Nucleus pulposus
