Vertebral Column Flashcards
what are the 4 main functions of the vertebral column?
- protection of spinal cord within spinal canal
- support of body weight above pelvis
- axis - central axis of body
- movement + posture
how many cervical vertebrae are there?
7
how many thoracic vertebrae are there?
12
how many lumbar vertebrae are there?
5
how many sacral vertebrae are there?
5 (fused)
how many coccyx vertebrae are there?
4 (fused)
describe the common structure of all vertebrae
vertebral body - weight bearing
vertebral arch - attachment sites
vertebral foramen - encloses the spinal cord
the superior and inferior aspects of the vertebral body are lined with what?
hyaline cartilage
how are adjacent vertebral bodies separated?
fibrocartilagenous intervertebral discs
what are the 3 main distinguishing features of a cervical vertebrae?
- bifid spinous process - bifurcates at distal end
- transverse foramina - vertebral arteries travel to brain
- triangular vertebral foramen
which cervical vertebrae do not have bifid spinous processes?
C1 - no spinous process
C7 - spinous process longer than others and may not bifurcate
what vertebrae is also known as ‘atlas’?
C1
what vertebrae is also known as ‘axis’?
C2
what is the specialised function of thoracic vertebrae?
articulate with the ribs + produce the bony thorax
what are the 3 main distinguishing features of thoracic vertebrae?
- demi facets on vertebral body - articulation with heads of two ribs
- costal facet on transverse process - articulates with shaft of 1 rib
- vertebral foramen is circular
how are lumbar vertebrae different to other vertebrae?
- kidney shaped
- no transverse foramina, costal facets or bifid spinous processes
- triangular shaped vertebral foramen
the size and orientation of the lumbar vertebrae are clinically important - why is this?
- permits needle access to spinal canal and spinal cord
- useful in epidural and lumbar puncture
what is unique about the coccyx?
lacks vertebral arches - no vertebral canal
lumbarisation
separation of S1 from sacrum
sacralisation
fusion of L5 to sacrum
what are 2 congenital abnormalities that occur in the fusion of vertebrae in the sacrum?
lumbarisation
sacralisation
kyphosis
excessive thoracic curvature causing a hunchback deformity
lordosis
excessive lumbar curvature causing a swayback deformity
scoliosis
lateral curvature of the spine usually of unknown cause
cervical spondylosis
decrease in the size of the intervertebral foramina, usually due to degeneration of the joints of the spine.
smaller size of intervertebral foramina puts pressure on nerves and results in pain
what are the primary curvatures of the spine?
thoracic
sacrococcygeal
retained from original foetal curvature
what are the secondary curvatures of the spine?
cervical
lumbar
appear with standing and walking
primary curves of the spine are what?
kyphotic
present during foetal delivery
separation of S1 from sacrum
lumbarisation
fusion of L5 to sacrum
sacralisation
excessive thoracic curvature causing a hunchback deformity
kyphosis
excessive lumbar curvature causing a swayback deformity
lordosis
lateral curvature of the spine usually of unknown cause
scoliosis
decrease in the size of the intervertebral foramina, usually due to degeneration of the joints of the spine.
smaller size of intervertebral foramina puts pressure on nerves and results in pain
cervical spondylosis
decrease in the size of the intervertebral foramina, usually due to degeneration of the joints of the spine.
smaller size of intervertebral foramina puts pressure on nerves and results in pain
cervical spondylosis
label this vertebrae
cervical
label this vertebrae
lumbar
label this vertebrae
thoracic
