Vertebral Column

Question 1

Vertebrae structure

Answer 1

Deep is spongy cancellous bone and the outer layer is cortical shell. The vertebral artery enters the vertebral foramen

Question 2

Vertebral column regions

Answer 2

Question 3

What is a facet (zygapophyseal) joint?

Answer 3

A synovial joint between the inferior articulate process of one vertebrae and the superior articulate process of another one. This joint has more range of motion than intervertebral joints (where disc are).

Question 4

Intervertebral (symphyseal) joint

Answer 4

joined by cartilage so less movements than facet joints

Question 5

Nucleus pulposus

Answer 5

Formed from the notochord (embryonic axis), made of a hydrophilic jelly enclosed by the annulus fibrosis (rings of fibrocartilage). Derived from sclerotome.

Question 6

What are important spinal ligaments (6)?

Answer 6

1. Anterior longitudinal ligament - limits extension
2. posterior longitudinal - in the vertebral foramen, limits flexion.
3. Supraspinous ligament - posterior the process; limits flexion
4. Interspinous ligament - between vertebral column; limits flexion
5. Ligamentum flavum - yellow elastic tissue between vertebral bodies; limits flexion and helps with posture
6. Intertransverse ligament - limits side bend

Question 7

Facet capsulary ligament

Answer 7

surrounds the articulate facet, synovial joint capsule, and allows for smooth movement

Question 8

Which are most palpable vertebral processes?

Answer 8

Most palpable transverse is C1, most palpable spinous is C7

Question 9

What is the positioning of the dens?

Answer 9

The anterior arch is anterior the dens, dens rest in the superior articulate facet, the transverse ligament of atlas prevents posterior displacement of dens/ anterior displacement of C1

Question 10

What two types of facets do thoracic vertebrae have that articulate with rib ?

Answer 10

1. Transverse costal facets
2. Superior, inferior costal facets (hemifacets)

Question 11

Intervertebral foramen

Answer 11

Made by superior and inferior vertebral notch; holds spinal nerves

Question 12

sacrococcygeal joint

Answer 12

Question 13

what causes herniated disc?

Answer 13

The vertebrae disc begins tp degrade with age. This makes the nucleus pulposus become less jelly and more liquid, and the annular fibrosis disrupts. This causes the pulposus to push posterior, but since the posterior longitudinal ligament is there, it pushes into the intervertebral foramen which pushes on the nerves.