Vertebral Column Flashcards
List the functions of the vertebral column.
The vertebral column is a complex “chain” the provides a base of support for the head, a site for attachment of ligaments, muscles, tendons, and other bones of the upper extremity. The vertebral column is also the link between the upper and lower extremity. Lastly, the vertebral column protects the spinal cord as it travels through the vertebral foramen.
How many vertebrae are there in each region of the vertebral column? Identify the curvature in each of the regions.
There are 7 cervical vertebrae that form a cervical curvature; 12 thoracic vertebrae that form a thoracic curvature (kyphotic); 5 lumbar vertebrae that form a lumbar curve (lordotic); 5 sacral vertebrae that form a kyphotic curve; and 4 coccygeal vertebrae.
With the exception of the atlas and axis, what are the general characteristics of the vertebrae
The vertebrae of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine have a body, lamina, pedicle, spinous process, and transverse process. Each vertebrae also contains a superior articular facet and an inferior articular facet.
Define the unique characteristics of the atlas and axis and provide a function/responsibility of each.
The atlas is C1 and the axis is C2. The function of the atlas is to provide support and articulation for the skull. The atlas is unique from other vertebrae because it lack a body, spinous process, and transverse process. The function of the axis is to provide a point of rotation for the atlas. The odontoid (dens) process (located on the anterior portion of the axis) protrudes vertically and serves as the point of rotation for the atlas. The articulation allows the head to rotate. The axis has transverse processes, a body, and spinous process; however, they are much smaller and not as pronounced.
How can you tell the difference between a cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae?
The cervical vertebrae are generally smaller than thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. The spinous process project horizontally. The thoracic vertebrae are larger than the cervical vertebrae. The spinous processes project downward overlapping the vertebrae inferior to it. The lumbar vertebrae are the largest of the 3 regions. This because of the amount of force, stress, and weight transferred through it. Their spinous processes project more horizontally than downward.
What is the difference between the vertebral foramen and the intervertebral foramina.
The vertebral foramen is the cavity or hole through which the spinal cord travels up and down the vertebral column. The intervertebral foramina are the holes between vertebrae (specifically between the pedicle of one vertebrae and the pedicle of the adjacent vertebrae).
Describe (anatomically) what happens when a vertebral disc herniates.
The vertebral disc is a fibrous tissue located between the bodies of two adjacent vertebrae. When one disc becomes herniated, the annulus fibrosis (fibrous layers) tear. The nucleus pulposus is the gel-like substance located inside the annulus fibrosis that “leaks” through the torn fibers.
Describe the difference between a intrasegmental ligament and an intersegmental ligament and provide an example of each.
An intrasegmental ligament binds one vertebra to another. An example is the ligamentum flavum. An intersegmental ligament binds a number of vertebrae together. An example is the supraspinous ligament.
There are 12 pair of ribs. Describe the difference between true, false, and floating ribs.
True ribs are ribs 1-7 and attach directly to the sternum through costal cartilage; ribs 8, 9, 10 are considered false ribs because they do not attach directly to the sternum, rather they merge with the costal cartilage of rib 7; and ribs 11 and 12 are considered floating ribs because they do not attach anteriorly.
The sacrum is a component of the vertebral column. Describe the unique properties of the vertebral column in relation to the lumbar vertebrae.
The sacrum is composed of 5 fused vertebrae. It articulates with the ilium of the pelvis forming the sacroiliac joint. It forms its attachment between S1, S2, and S3 and the iliac bones.
