Vertebral column

Question 1

What are the roles and requirements of the vertebral column?

Answer 1

Protection, weight-bearing, force transmission and mobility

Question 2

Describe a vertebral column motion segment.

Answer 2

Motion segments consist of 2 vertebrae, 1 intervertebral disc, 3 joints, ligaments, muscles and nerves. Allow description of movement (describing superior vertebra moving on inferior vertebra).

Question 3

What are the components of a vertebral body and their functions?

Answer 3

Vertebral body = major weight bearing component (resist compressive forces)
Vertebral/neural arch = encloses vertebral foramen
processes = muscle and ligament attachment + form joints with adjacent vertebrae

Question 4

What are the posterior elements of the vertebrae and their functions?

Answer 4

Elements; lamina, articular processes, spinous process, transverse process
Function: site for muscle and ligament attachment, provide stability, guide movement