Vertebral column Flashcards
3 aspects of thoracic vertebrae.
Facets on side of body to articulate with the ribs
Facets on transverse process to articulate with tubercle of rib.
Small vertebral foramen.
4 aspects of lumbar vertebrae.
Large body.
No facets.
No transeverse foramina.
Articular process approximately in the saggital plane.
Name of C1 and C2
C1 - atlas
C2 -axis
Describe the atlas - 3 aspects.
Lacks body.
Lacks spinous process.
Widest cervical vertebra.
Describe axis - 3 aspects.
Dens (Odontoid process where body would be)
Rugged lateral mass
Large bifid spinous process
Give three joints in the spinal cord.
Atlanto-occipital
Atlanto-axial
Facet (zygophyseal) joints
Describe the Atlanto-occipital joint. What movements does it allow?
Consoles of occiput to articulate processes of atlas.
Allows flexion and extension of the head.
Describe the Atlanto-axial joint. Movement?
Atlas to axis articulate processes.
Permits rotation of the head.
Describe zygophyseal joints.
Between superior and inferior articulate processes of adjacent vertebrae.
Allow flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation.
Prevent anterior displacement.
Describe the two aspects of the intervertebral disc
Annulus fibrosus - fibrocartilage discs permitting tilting and shock absorption. Nucleus pulposus - central mucous portion - high osmotic pressure - water reservoir for disk
Give 4 ligaments in the spinal cord.
Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments.
Ligamentum flavum.
Interspinous ligament.
Supraspinous ligament.
Describe the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments.
Extend along entire length of column.
Anterior and posterior to body in vertebral foramen.
Describe the ligamentum flavum.
Attached to adjacent laminae.
High elastic content.
Describe the Interspinous ligament.
Unite spinous processes along borders.
describe the supra spinous ligament.
Connect tips of spinous processes.
What are the supra spinous ligaments in the cervical region known as?
Ligamentum nuchae.
Which ligament prevents excessive extension?
Anterior longitudinal ligament
Which ligament prevents excessive flexion
Posterior longitudinal.
Ligamentum flavum.
Interspinous ligament
Supra spinous ligament.
How is tension maintained in the intervertebral disc?
Fluid absorption by the cellular matrix during spinal movement.
What happens if the tension within the intervertebral disc falls?
Annulus fibrosus is subject to stress.
Nucleus pulposus herniated as annulus fibrosus softens.
Which way does the nucleus pulposus protrude? Significance?
Postero-laterally
This causes pressure on spinal nerves, causing pain.
Describe the development of the primary curvature.
Foetus develops anterior C shaped curvature.
Describe the development of the secondary curvatures.
Postnatally
Child holding head up results in development of anterior cervical convexity.
Standing and walking results in anterior lumbar convexity.
Define kyphosis
Exaggeration of posterior thoracic curvature (hunchback)
