Vertebrae Flashcards
What are the basic structure of a vertebrae?
anterior vertebral body and the posterior vertebral arch.
What is the weight baring portion of the vertebra?
vertebral body
Vertebral body
is lined by hyaline cartilage and is separated form adjacent vertebrae by the intervertebral discs
What forms the vertebral foramen?
together the vertebral arch and the vertebral body
What forms the vertebral or spinal canal?
in adjacent articulating vertebrae the vertebral foramina together
What is the vertebral or spinal canal’s purpose?
enclose and protect the spinal cord
pedicles
part of the vertebral arch connect the vertebral body to the transverse process
lamina
connect the transverse and spins processes
intervertebral discs and facet joints
adjacent vertebrae articulate with one another through
intervertebral foramen
created by adjacent vertebrae creating an opening through which the spinal nerve exits the vertebral/spinal canal.
What supports articulating vertebrae?
intervertebral discs and strong ligaments
What supports and strengthens vertebral bodies?
anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments that run the length of the vertebral column.
Anterior longitudinal ligament
hyperextension of the spine
Posterior longitudinal ligament
weaker and limits hyper flexion of the spine
What supports the arches of the vertebrae further?
ligamentum flavum, interspinous ligament, supraspinous ligament, intertransverse ligament
ligamentum flavum
extends between the lamina of adjacent vertebrae
interspinous ligament
filling the space between the spinous process of adjacent vertebrae
supraspinous ligament
extending between the tips of the the spinous processes
inter transverse ligament
extending between the transverse processes