Vertebral Column Flashcards
How many bones make up the vertebral column?
32-34
Describe the gross functions of the vertebral column.
Centre of gravity Attachment for bones - Above bears and supports head - Centrally ribs/scapula, indirect support for upper limbs - Below articulates with the hip bones, together bear most of the body weight Attachment for trunk muscle Protection of the spinal cord Segmental innervation of the body
Describe curvature of the vertebral column in the foetus
Anterior concave
Primary curvature throughout whole column
Describe kyphosis
Exaggerated anterior curvature
Describe curvature of the vertebral column in a young adult
Sinusoidal presentation to give great flexibility and resistance.
Two anterior and two posterior flexion
Secondary in cervical and lumbar regions
Primary in thoracic, sacral and coccyx
Describe curvature of the vertebral column in old age.
Secondary curvature disappears
How many vertebrae are separable from their neighbours?
24
What vertebrae are fused?
Sacrum (5)
Coccyx (4)
Describe the vertebral body
Usually the largest part and mainly weight bearing.
Size increases from top down
Linked adjacently by intervertebral discs
Arrangement repeated from C2/3 to L5/S1
Describe the structure of the vertebral arch
Spinous process in the midline
Transverse process laterally
Pedicle between body and transverse process
Lamina between transverse and sinous process
Articular processes at junction of lamina and pedicle, one superior and one inferior on both sides.
Describe the articular facets on the vertebral arch
One superior and one inferior on each side
Cartilage-lined to form synovial joints between adjacent vertebrae.
Strengthened by the ligamentum flavum.
What makes up the intervertebral foramen?
Superior and inferior notch of each pedicle
What class of joint are the vertebrae?
Secondary cartilagenous joints: symphyses
Describe changes in the intervertebral discs throughout the spine.
Increase in size from superior to inferior
Wedge shaped in the lumbar and thoracic levels, thickets anteriorly here
Approximately what percentage of the height of the vertebral column does intervertebral discs account for?
25%