Vertebraeology Flashcards
Number of Cervical Vertebrae
7
Number of Thoracic Vertebrae
12
Number of Lumbar Vertebrae
5
Number of Sacral Fusions
5
Number of Coccyx Fusions
4
What structures are between each vertebrae?
Intervertebral discs
What is the centermost part of the structures between each vertebrae?
Nucleus Pulposus
What do intervertebral discs consist of?
Anulus fibrosus
Name all landmarks of a typical vertebrae
- Vertebral body
- Vertebral foramen
- Pedicle
- Lamina
- Pars Interarticularis
- Superior facet
- Inferior facet
- Transverse Process
- Spinous Process
What is the unique name for C1?
Atlas (nodding yes)
What landmark is unique to C1?
Articular facet for odontoid process
What is the unique name for C2?
Axis (shaking no)
What landmark is unique to C2?
Odontoid process
Why is C7 different from C3-6?
It’s spinous process is not bifid (doesn’t split into 2)
What landmark is characterized by a bilateral hook-shaped bony projection on the vertebral body of the cervical vertebrae?
The uncus of the vertebral body, also known as the uncinate process
What landmark is unique to C6?
Carotid tubercle
Where does the Alar Ligament attach?
The alar ligament is a thick fibrous cord that attaches to the lateral aspect of the dens/odontoid process and inserts on the medial aspect of the occipital condyle
What is the function of the Alar Ligament?
Limits axial rotation and lateral flexion of the head
Where does the Cruciate Ligament attach?
Consists of two bands: Longitudinal band: joins the body of the C2 (axis) to the foramen magnum/occipital bone. Transverse band: attaches to the inner margin of the C1 (atlas) lateral masses on both sides
What is the function of the Cruciate Ligament?
Limits Up and down nodding motion of the head
History of Coccyx
Remnant of the skeleton of the embryonic tail-like caudal eminence which was present in human embryos from the end of the 4th week until the beginning of the 8th week.
Layman’s term for coccyx?
Tailbone
What kind of joints are Zygopophysial Joints?
Synovial joints
(aka apophysial jt or facet jt)
How are Zygapophysial joints/facets oriented in Cervical Vertebrae?
at a 45 degree angle
How are Zygapophysial joints/facets oriented in Thoracic Vertebrae?
facing backward
How are Zygapophysial joints/facets oriented in Lumbar Vertebrae?
facing inward
Review Sacral landmarks in Dr. G’s slides
