Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

General Anatomy > Vertebrae & Vertebral joints > Flashcards

Vertebrae & Vertebral joints Flashcards

1
Q

What are type of joints are zygapophyseal joints

A

Synovial joints

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are zygapophyseal joints inbetween

A

between superior and inferior articular processes of adjacent vertebrae, surrounded by thin loose articular cartilage

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Function of zygapophyseal joints

A

Together with intervertebral disc transfer loads, guide and constrain motions in the spine
Protect the motion segment from anterior shear forces, excessive rotation and flexion
Permit gliding movement between articular processes
Shape and disposition of articular surfaces determine types of movement possible
Range of movement determined by size of IV disc relative to vertebral body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the innervation of zygapophyseal joint

A

articular branches that arise from medial branches of posterior rami of spinal nerves

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What type of joint is a costotransverse joint

A

plane type synovial

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the costotransverse joint between

A

between facet of tubercle of rib and transverse process of adjacent thoracic vertebrae
Ribs 11/12 do not articulate with their respective transverse processes of T11/T12

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What movements does the costotransverse joint allow

A

gliding movements

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the costovertebral joint between

A

Consists of costotransverse and ligaments

Between heads of ribs and bodies of thorarcic vertebrae

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What movements do costovertebral joints allow

A

gliding movements

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What type of joint is the atlanto-occipital joint

A

Synovial condyloid–> have thin, loose articular capsules

Pivot joint

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the atlanto-occipital joint between

A

between superior articular surfaces of lateral masses of atlas and occipital condyles
hence contains a pair of condyles

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What movement occurs at atlanto0occipital joint

A

‘Yes” movement of neck (nodding)= flexion/extension
Lateral flexion/conjunct rotation (rotation occurs with lateral flexion)
Also permits sideways tilting of head

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the atlanto-occipital membranes

A

cranium and C1 connected by anterior and posterior atlanto-occipital membranes
They extend from posterior arches of C1 to anterior and posterior margins of foramen magnum
Membranes help prevent excessive movement of joints

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What type of joint is the atlanto-axial joint

A

synovial joint

bicondylar joint

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What vertebraes is the atlanto-axial joint between

A 
between C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis)
this joint contains 3 synovial joints, making it the most mobile joint in the spine
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the 3 articulations of atlanto-axial joint

A

2 Lateral Joints (gliding joint)–> between inferior facets of lateral facets of lateral masses of C1 and superior facets of C2
1 median joint (pivot joint)–> between dens of C2 and anterior arch of the atlas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the orientation of the lateral atlanto-axial joint

A

concave in anterior-posterior direction (hence rotation)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the front and back articulation of the medial atlanto-axial joint

A

Posterior surface of atlas anterior arch and odontoid process (front)
Anterior surface of transverse ligament and odontoid process (back)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What movement does the atlanto-axial joint allow

A

rotation–> ‘no’ head movement

during movement C1 rotates on C2 as a unit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

How does the rotational movement in atlanto-axial joint occur

A

Dens of C2 is axis or pivot that is held in a socket or collar
Socket/collar is formed anteriorly by anterior arch of atlas and posteriorly by transverse ligament of atlas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the transverse ligament of atlas

A

strong band extending between tubercles on medial aspects of lateral masses of C1 vertebraes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the intervertebral joint

A

Fibrocartilaginous joint–> symphyses

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What does the intervertebral joint consist of

A

Secondary cartilaginous joints between vertebraes with IV disc in middle
Articulating surfaces of adjacent vertebrae are connected by IV discs and ligaments

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is the purpose of intervertebral joints

A

Designed for WB’ing and strength

IV discs provide strong attachments between the vertebral bodies

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What type of joint is the lumbosacral joint
Not a joint--> has a disc inbetween and consists of Z joints
26
What movement does the lumbosacral joint allow
Flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation | Compressive, sheer, tensile force and bending and torsional movement
27
What is the vertebral arch made up of
pedicle and lamina
28
How is the cervical vertebrae different to a typical vertebrae
smaller in size as it bears less weight | smaller vertebral body
29
What are the components of a typical vertebrae
Body Vertebral arch (pedicle and lamina) Vertebral foramen (forms vertebral canal) transverse process (2 on each side) Articular processes and facets (zygapophyses)--> superior and inferior Spinous process (posterior) Typical vertebrae don't have the presence of unicinate processes and dislocations are not always associated with spinal cord damage
30
Explain features of a typical cervical vertebrae
``` typical cervical vertebrae C3-C6 Small rectangular body large triangular vertebral foramen short transverse processes framen transversarium Horizontal articular processes and facets Bifid spinous process ```
31
Explain features of C1
``` Atlas Cranium rests on, hence atlas Doesn't have a spinous process or body Has 2 lateral masses connected by anterior and posterior arches (where transverse process arises Ring shaped bone ```
32
Explain features of C2
Axis tooth-like dens--> odontoid process which projects superiorly from body Dens provide a pivot point around which the atlas turns and carries cranium Has 2 large lateral, flat weight bearing surfaces= superior articular facets= on which atlas rotates Articulates anteriorly with anterior arch of atlas and posteriorly with transverse ligament of atlas Has a bifid spinous process that can be felt deep in the nuchal groove
33
Explain features of C7
Prominent vertebrae Long spinous process (hence called vertebrae prominens) All other features correspond to that of typical vertebrae (particularly that of thoracic)
34
What are the features of a typical thoracic vertebrae
Heart shaped vertebral body Costal facets for articulation with respective head of rib Circular small vertebral foramen Land transverse processes with articulation facets Vertical articular processes and facets Long postero-inferior spinous process
35
What is the function of thoracic vertebrae
Holds rib cage and protects the heart and lungs
36
What are the joints specific to thoracic vertebrae
Costotransverse joint | Costvertebral joint
37
Explain features of lumbar vertebrae
Located lower back Large kidney shaped vertebral body(due to increase in the weight they support) Triangular medium sized vertebral foramen (small foramen allows increase body size=can bear more weight) Long transverse process Vertical articular process and facets Short thick spinous process Posterior surface of base of each transverse process are small accessory process (provides attachment for medial intertransverse lumborum muscle) Posterior surface of articular surfaces are mammillary processes--> attachment for multifidus and medial intertransverse musckes Allows flexion, extension, not too much rotation
38
Explain the sacral vertebrae
Located between hip bones 5 fused sacral vertebrae in adults 4 pairs of sacral foramina Triangular shape results from the rapid decrease in the size of lateral masses of the sacral vertebrae during development Base-->articulates with L5 at lumbosacral angle Apex--> articulates with coccyx Dorsal surface--> rough and convex Pelvic surface--> smooth and concave Sacral canal = continuation of vertebral canal Anterior projecting edge of body of S1 vertebrae is sacral promontory
39
What is the function of sacrum
Provides strength and stability to pelvis and transmits the weight of body to pelvic girdle/lower limbs Inferior half of sacrum is not weight bearing
40
Explain the coccyx
4 fused coccygeal vertebrae May weight bear during sitting Attachment point for glute max and coccygeal muscles
41
What is the main role of cervical vertebrae
Movement of head and neck, as well as stabilising head onto neck
42
What is the function of lumbar vertebrae
Supports weight of upper body Largest vertebrae Provides attachment for medial intertransverse lumborum muscle
43
What is the function of zygapophyseal joints
Form the articular 'pillars' that act to provide structural stability to the vertebral column as a whole Together with disc, bilateral facet joints transfer loads and guide and constrain motions in the spine
44
Describe the zygapophyseal joints in the lumbar region
Lie in a sagittal plane Articulating facets are 90 degrees to the transverse plane and 45 degrees to frontal plane Superior facets face medially and inferior facets face laterally Only flexion and extension synovial joint between inferior and superior facets
45
Function of intervertebral discs
Permit movement between adjacent vertebrae Serve as shock absorbers between each vertebrae as they are resilient to deformability Keep vertebrae separated Protect nerves that run down middle of spine Designed for WB'ing and strength IV discs provide strong attachments between the vertebral bodies Articulating surfaces of adjacent vertebrae are connected by IV discs and ligaments No IV disc between C1 and C2 Vary in thickness in different regions--> thickness is relative to size of bodies they connect to in cervical and lumbar regions
46
What is the IV disc made up of
Annulus fibrosis and nucleus pulposus
47
Describe the function and structure of annulus fibrosis
Outer fibrous part of IV disc Composed of concentric lamellae of fibrocartilage forming circumference of IV disc Annuli inserts into smooth, rounded epiphyseal rims on articular surfaces of vertebral bodies formed by fuses annular epiphyses Fibres forming each lamellae run obliquely (at 90 degrees) from one vertebrae to another This arrangement allows some movement between adjacent vertebrae, while providing strong bond between them Lamellae of annulus fibrosis are thinner and less numerous posteriorly than enteriorly/laterally, hence nucleus pulposus is more posteriorly placed
48
Describe the function and structure of nucleus pulposus
central core of IV disc At birth, more cartilaginous than fibrous Primarily liquid (water) Semifluid--> hence responsible for much of the flexibility and resilience of IV discs and vertebral column Avascular--> hence blood vessels don't transverse in IV discs Because avascular, recieves nourishment by diffusion from blood vessels at the periphery of annulus fibrosus and vertebral body
49
What is the vertebral enplate
Plate of cartilage that acts as a barrier between the disc and vertebral body Cover the superior and inferior aspects of annulus fibrosis and nucleus pulposus
50
Biochemical properties of IV disc
Fibrocartilaginous materal As the spine recieves pressure, the gel (nucleus pulposus) moves inside the annulus fibrosus and redistributes itself to absorb the impact of pressure
51
Cellular properties of IV disc
Annulus fibrosis consists of several layers (laminae) of fibrocartilage made up of both type I and type II collagen (type I is concentrated towards the edge of the ring where it provides greater strength as stiff laminae can withstand compressive forces Nucleus pulposus consists of large vaculoted notochord cells, small chondrocyte-like cells, collagen fibrils and aggregan (a proteoglycan that aggregates by binding to hyaluronan. Attached to each aggrecan molecule are glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains of chondroitin sulphate and keratan sulphate Nucleus pulposus is gel-like mass composed of water and proteoglycans held by randomly arranged fibres of collagen
52
What are the biomechanical age changes of IV disc
Decreased IVD height Decreased foramen size--> hence affects spinal nerve = increased potential nerve damage Osteophytes Decreased density of vertebrae--> OP= increased risk of vertebral #'s
53
What are the biochemical age changes of IVD
Decreased elastin and proteoglycans--> decreased elastic fibres in AF Increased collagen--> type I decreases, type II increases Hence decreased hydrophilic ability Increased collagen Type II collagen increases in annulus fibrosis Change in proteoglycans and collagen changes micro-biomechanics, which changes overall biomechanics of spine (changing pressure on Lx spine structural components and hence changing the mmt patterns) smoking is highly associated with accerlerating these changes
54
What is an IVD herniation
Also called spinal disc herniation/slipped disc tear of the outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosis) allows nucleus pulposus (soft central portion) to buldge out beyond the damaged outer rings Upper 2 cervical vertebrae (C1,C2), sacrum and coccyx have no IVD hence exclude the risk of disc herniation there
55
Where is IVD most common
lumbar and cervical disc herniations are most common (more common in lumbar than cervical) Tears are most frequent postero-lateral because of the absence of the anterior/posterior longitudinal ligament (this is also where the annulus fibrosis is thinest)
56
What level in Cx is IVD herniation common and what symptoms result from it
Most often at the level C5-C6 or C6-C7 | causes referred pain to the head, face, neck, arms, shoulders and chest (also low back sometimes)
57
What level in Lx is IVD herniation common and what symptoms result from it
Typically L4-L5 or L5-S1 Causes lower back pain and possibly leg pain as well (due to nerves from lumbar plexus innervating leg) Referred to as sciatica More common in this location in people above 55
58
What are the causes of IVD herniation
wear and tear of the spine (backs carry and distribute a lot of our weight and IVD absorb a lot of shock which over time can cause them to become worn out) Wear and tear causes annulus fibrosis to weaken allowing nucleus pulposus to push through creating a budging or herniated disc Injury--> sudden jerking movement can put too much pressure on the disc and cause it to herniate (or by lifting incorrectly/something heavy) Conbination of degeneration and injury--> weakened IVD makes it more prone to herniation from small trauma
59
What are some predisposing factors of IVD herniation
Age (disc herniation most commonly caused as a result of deterioration through age--> hence older age increases risk); smoking accelerate this deteriorating process Lifestyle (exercise--> strength of core and back muscles--> the stronger your muscles are the more likely they are able to withstand pressure and prevent protrusions Overuse--> disc degeneration
60
What is a herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP)
Localized displacement of nucleus, cartilage, fragmented apophyseal bone or frangmented annular tissue beyond IVD space Essentially herniation of disc as a result of nucleus pulposus protruding put of the annulus fibrosis It is traumatic acute and chronic lumbar (sometimes cervical)
61
What are the subcategories of HNP
Protrusion (NP protrudes into AF but external disc capsule still intact) Extrusion (NP breaks through AF and disrupts external capsule) Sequestration (some NP separates from the disc into surrounding space)
62
What is Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
``` Degenerative annular tears loss of disc height nuclear degradation Usual cause of non-traumatic cervical Older age is usually the cause of this Not actually a herniation, just the degenerative changes ```
63
What are some symptoms of DDD
Pain in lower back, butt or upper thighs pain not always present, comes and goes Feels worse when you sit and better when walking/moving (bending/lifting/twisting makes it worse too) Can lead to numbness and tingling in arms/legs (thinning IVD= decreased space b/w adjacent vertebral discs= possible compression of spinal nerves b/w vertebrae)
64
What is Internal disc disruption (IDD)
Annular frissuring without external disc deformation Annular fissuring--> when the fibres that make up the annulus fibrosis either break or separate (tears within AF) A subgroup of discogenic pain= pain originating from a damaged vertebral disc Get a deep-seated, burning, lacinating pain in the back Sensation of a weak, unstable back
65
What the age related changes to trabecule in vertebral bodies
Increasing age= decreased density in Lx vertebrae causing trabecula size and pattern changes Vertical trabeculae (struts) absorbed, remaining ones become thicker Horizontal trabeculae (beams) absorbed and not replaced therefore characteristic ageing of vert. bodies=horizontal trabecula loss Loss greatest is central body, therefore decreased central body load bearing capacity; therefore increased wt bearing by cortical bone No support of underlying bone, causing end plates micro #'s
66
What is folic acid and where is it found
Works with B complex group vitamins, especially B12 It is found in many foods but also easily lost from the body via urine and bile No endogenous folic acid production Converted folate is absorbed in proximal jejunum Found in leafy green vegies, peanuts, bananas and avocado
67
What do we need folic acid for
Cell division (hence low folate=incomplete spinal fusion) RBC (hence low folate=anemias) Metabolism of proteins and sugars Trasmission of genetic code to offspirngs Too much folic acid is toxic
68
What are some examples of inhibitors of folate absorption
Excess alcohol Some medication Crohns disease Kidney dialysis
69
What is spina bifida
Congenital abnormalities (common and most serious) Condition in which the bones in vertebral column do not fully cover the spinal cord, ealving it exposed Cause by incomplete fusing of the embryonic neural tube As a result, a sac forms on the foetus back as the membranes and spinal cord are pushed out The sac may be covered with meninges or membrane
70
What causes spina bifida
Low intake of folic acid before and during pregnancy can cause it
71
Treatment options for spina bifida
Physical therapy Surgery Assistive devices
72
What is miningocele
A type of spina bifida | Meninges or portective membranes push through the opening in vertebrae
73
What is myelomeningcocele
Most severe form of spina bifida | spinal cord is exposed causing partial/complete paralysis of body below the opening

General Anatomy (13 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions