Vertebrae

Question 1

Which vertebrae have triangular vertebral foramina?

Which vertebrae have circular vertebral foramina?

Answer 1

Triangular: Cervical and Lumbar
Circular: Thoracic

Question 2

Describe the cervical vertebrae.

Answer 2

Small body.
Vertebral foramen is large and triangular.
Transverse processes have transverse foramina in C1-C6.
Articular processes: superior facets directed superioposteriorly
Spinous processes are short. C2-C6 have bifid spinous processes.
C7 is vertebra prominens.

Question 3

Describe the thoracic vertebrae.

Answer 3

Body is heart-shaped, has costal facets for articulation with head of rib.
Vetebral foramen is circular and smaller than L-spine and C-spine
Transverse processes: T1-T10 have facets for articulation with tubercle of rib
Articular processes: superior facets directed posteriorly
Spinous process is long, sloping inferiorly

Question 4

Describe the lumbar vertebrae.

Answer 4

Large body, kidney shaped.
Vertebral foramen is triangular, larger than T-spine
Transverse processes are long
Articular processes: superior facets directed medially
Spinous processes short, thick

Question 5

What are the radiological lines to examine in a C-spine X-ray?

Answer 5

Soft tissue
Anterior
Posterior
Spinolaminar