Vertebral Column Flashcards
What are the structural units of the spinal column?
- Vertebrae
- Sacrum
- Coccyx
What are the four curvatures of the spine?
- Cervical Lordosis
- Thoracic Kyphosis
- Lumbar Lordosis
- Sacral Kyphosis
What does Lordosis mean?
Extension of the spine
What does Kyphosis mean?
Flexion of the spine
What are the functions of the spinal curvature?
- flexibility
- support
- protection
- shock absorption
Why is C1 special?
C1 is the atlas and has no vertebral body and spinous process
Why is C2 special?
C2 is the axis and absorbs the C1 vertebral body to form the dens during development
What is special about the cervical vertebral bodies on C3-C7?
They have an uncinate process (a hook shape)
Why is C7 special?
It does not have a bifurcated spinous process like C3-C6
Label the cervical vertebrae.
A. Spinous Process
B. Vertebral Foramen
C. Superior Articular Facet
D. Posterior Tubercle
E. Anterior Tubercle
F. Groove for Spinal Nerve
G. Body
H. Uncinate Process
I. Transverse Process
J. Transverse Foramen
K. Superior Articular Process
L. Lamina
M. Pedicle
What are the five unique thoracic vertebrae?
T1
T9
T10
T11
T12
Why are T1, and T9-T12 special?
They have superior/inferior rib demi-facets and they articulate with the ribs
Label the thoracic vertebrae…
A. Body
B. Superior Costal Facet
C. Pedicle
D. Angle of Articular Facet
E. Transverse Costal Facet
F. Lamina
G. Spinous Process
H. Superior Articular Facet
I. Superior Vertebral Notch
J. Vertebral Foramen
K. Transverse Process
L. Inferior Articular Process
M. Inferior Vertebral Notch
N. Inferior Costal Facet
Which vertebrae has the largest vertebral body?
Lumbar
What is special about the lumbar vertebrae osteology?
- The superior/ inferior articular processes have a mammillary process
- The transverse process has an accessory process
Label the lumbar vertebrae…
A. Vertebral Body
B. Superior Articular Facet
C. Superior Articular Process
D. Mammillary Process
E. Spinous Process
F. Lamina
G. Accessory Process
H. Transverse Process
I. Pedicle
J. Vertebral Foramen
What attaches the the dorsal surface of the sacrum?
Multifidi
What attaches to the ventral surface of the sacrum?
Piriformis
What is the sacral foramina used for?
It is an exit of dorsal and ventral rami of spinal nerves
Label the sacrum…
A. Coccyx
B. Coccygeal Cornu
C. Sacrul Hiatus
D. Sacrul Cornu
E. Median Sacral Crest
F. Lateral Sacral Crest
G. Sacral Foramina
H. Sacral Tuberosity
I. Entrance to Sacral Canal
J. Articular Process
K. Sacral Curve
L. Articular Surface
M. Sacral Promontory
N. Base
O. Transverse Lines
P. Apex
Q. Ala
The atlanto-occipital joint attaches in what two places?
- Superior articular facet
- Occipital condyle