Vertebral Column Flashcards by Kaylynn Ennis

How many bones are in the vertebral column?

33 bones including the sacrum and coccyx

-7 cervicle
-12 thoracic
-5 lumbar
-5 fused to form sacrum
-4 fused to form coccyx (can be 3 or 5)

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What is the primary function of the vertebral column?

Support structure and protection of the spinal cord

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In which plane does the vertebral column lie?

Midsagittal plane

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What is the role of intervertebral discs?

Cushioning between vertebrae

Forms an ampharthoidal joint.

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What are the two main parts of an intervertebral disc?

Cartilage on the outside and nucleus pulposus in the center

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What is the shape of the c/s curve?

Lordotic with an Anterior convexity

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What is the shape of the t/s curve?

Kyphotic with an Posterior convexity

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Which part of the vertebra is the weight-bearing component?

Body

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What is the vertebral arch formed by?

2 pedicles and 2 laminae

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What are pedicles?

Short processes extending posteriorly from the vertebral body

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What are laminae?

Flattened plates of bone that unite at midline to form the spinous process

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What does the vertebral foramen house?

The spinal cord

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What is the intervertebral foramen?

An opening for spinal nerves to exit/branch off the spinal cord

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Where do the transverse processes extend from?

Laterally from left and right side of vertebrae. The junction of the pedicle and lamina

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What is the spinous process?

Extends posteriorly from the vertebral arch at the junction of the left and right laminae

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What forms the apophyseal joint?

Articulation of inferior articular process and superior articular process of the one below it

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What is the shape of the l/s curve?

Lordotic with an anterior convexity

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What is the shape of the pelvic curve?

Kyphotic with an posterior convexity

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What is the vertebrae body made of?

Spongey bone with a thick outer layer of compact bone

What forms the vertebral foramen?

2 pedicles, 2 laminae, and posterior surface of the body

Intervertebral foramen

An opening on each side of the vertebral arch, it is formed by the inferior notch of one vertebrae and the superior notch of the one below it

What are the characteristics of the lumbar vertebrae?

5 vertebrae; thick and large body for weight bearing; increase in size towards the sacrum; shorter, thicker spinous processes directed horizontally; large muscle attachment points; no costal pits.

What are the characteristics of the thoracic vertebrae?

12 vertebrae; larger than cervical, increasing in size downwards; spinous processes directed vertically and caudally; contain costal pits for rib attachment.

What are the characteristics of the cervical 3-7 vertebrae?

More typical; small, forked or bifid spinous processes; C7 has a prominent and larger spinous process (good positioning landmark); have transverse foramen for blood vessels.

What are the characteristics of the Atlas (C-1)?

Ring of bone; articulates with the skull at the occipital bone (forms the atlanto-occipital joint for 'yes' movement); no body or spinous process.

What are the characteristics of the Axis (C-2)?

Has the start of a small body; small spinous process; has a tooth-like projection called the Dens (odontoid process); articulates with C-1 to form the atlanto-axial joint for 'no' movement.

What are the characteristics of the sacrum?

Triangular shaped, formed by 5 fused vertebrae; major support structure for the spine's weight; articulates with L5 and coccyx.

What is the sacral promontory?

A sharp lip on the anterior and superior part of the sacrum.

What is the significance of the sacral foramina?

Allows passage of blood vessels and nerves, including the cauda equina ('horsetail of nerves').

What is the coccyx formed by?

4 fused vertebrae (can be 3 or 5); sometimes do not fuse; more flexible in females.

What are some topographical anatomy landmarks?

L3 & L4 joint space - umbilicus L5 - iliac crest S2 - ASIS

Where does the spinal cord end?

L 3/4 junction

What are the sacral ala/wings formed by?

Fused transverse processes

What are the three categories of ribs based on their sternal attachments?

* True ribs (1-7) * False ribs (8-10) * Floating ribs (11-12) ## Footnote True ribs attach directly to the sternum, false ribs attach to the cartilage above, and floating ribs have no anterior attachment.

How many pairs of ribs are there in the human thorax?

12 pairs ## Footnote Each rib pair attaches posteriorly to the vertebrae.

What is the primary function of the ribs?

To protect vital organs ## Footnote This includes protection for the heart and lungs.

What are true ribs also known as?

Vertebrosternal ribs ## Footnote These ribs attach directly to the sternum via cartilage.

What are false ribs also referred to as?

Vertebrochondral ribs ## Footnote These ribs attach to the cartilage of the ribs above, not directly to the sternum.

What are floating ribs?

Ribs 11 and 12 ## Footnote These ribs have no cartilage or anterior attachment to the sternum.

Describe the anatomy of a rib.

* Head: posteriorly attaches to vertebral body * Tubercle: attaches to transverse process * Anterior articulation: with cartilage ## Footnote Ribs are progressively longer and then shorter.

What can occur as a result of a complicated rib fracture?

Puncture of the lung ## Footnote This is a serious complication that can arise from rib injuries.

What is a cervical rib?

Anomaly of an extra rib ## Footnote This condition can occur above the first rib.

What is the structure of the sternum?

Made up of three bones: * Manubrium * Body (gladiolus) * Xiphoid process ## Footnote The sternum lies in the midline of the body.

What is the function of the manubrium?

Has rib attachments and clavicular notches ## Footnote It also features the jugular notch.

What does the body (gladiolus) of the sternum consist of?

4 fused segments ## Footnote It provides attachment points for ribs 2-7.

At what vertebral level is the xiphoid process located?

Level of T10 ## Footnote The xiphoid process is the inferior part of the sternum.