Vertebral Column

Question 1

How many vertebrae are there? (how many in each section)

Answer 1

Technically 33 Vertebra but actually 30 (as coccygeal are fused into 1)
Cervical = 7
Thoracic = 12
Lumber = 5
Sacral = 5 ( fused into one
Coccygeal = 4 (but fused into 1)

Question 2

what are the 4 subdivisions of the vertabral arch?

Answer 2

1) Pedicle (attaches transverse process to body of vertabra)
2) Lamina (attaches transverse process to spinous process)
3) Paires superior and inferior articular processes.
4) Spinous and transverse processes

Question 3

What are the characteristics of Cervical vertebrae (C3 - C7) that aid to their idenification?

Answer 3

• Transverse Foramen
• Short and BIFID spinous processes (C3 - C6)
• C7 has a long spinous process

Question 4

What structures pass through the transverse foramina?

Answer 4

Vertebral Arteries

Question 5

What are the features of C1 vertebrae?

Answer 5

C1 = Atlas

• No spinous process
• Anterior and posterior arches with corresponding tubercle
• Lateral masses have a superior articular facet.
• Tubercles on lateral masses for the attachment of the transverse ligament.
• Articular facet for Dens

Question 6

What are the features of the C2 Vertebra?

Answer 6

C2 = AXIS

• Large flat superior articular facets.
• Dens / odontoid process protrudes upwards through the vertebral canal of C1. (held in place by tranverse ligament)

Question 7

What are the characteristics of thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 7

1) heart shaped Vertebral Body has sup/inf costal demi facets that articulate with the head of rib.
2) Spinous process
3) transverse process has costal facets that articulate with the tubercle of rib.
4) Articular facets - Superior faces posteriorly, Inferior faces anteriorly.

Question 8

What are the characteristics of the lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 8

• Large Vertebral Body (kidney shaped)
• Articular facets - superior face medially, inferior face laterally.
• SHORT and sturdy spinous process

Question 9

What type of joint connects the superior and inferior articular processes of the adjacent vertebrae?

Answer 9

Zygapophyseal joints (facet joints)

Question 10

Describe the structure and function of intervertebral discs?

Answer 10

Provides flexibility and absorbs shock.
Made of 2 parts :

Annulus Fibrosis is a ring of fibro-cartilage and collagen that is attached to the epiphysial rim of the vertebral body.

Nucleus Pulposus is a gelatinous ball that sits in the annulus fibrosis ring.

*degeneration on the annulus fibrosis can lead to herniation of the nucleus pulposus. This can press on nerve rootlets causing pain.

Question 11

What are the attachments and function of the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament?

Answer 11

Origin = C1 and Occipital bone
Insertion = Sacrum (anterior surface vertebral bodies and discs)

function = resist hyperextension

Question 12

What are the attachments and function of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament?

Answer 12

Origin = C2
Insertion = Sacrum (posterior surface of vert bodies and discs)

function = Prevents posterior herniation of inter-vertebral discs

Question 13

What are the attachments and function of the Ligamentum Flavum?

Answer 13

Origin = Anterior surface of the superior vertebral lamina.
Insertion = Posterior surface of the inferior vertebral lamina.

function = resists separation of the lamina in flexion. Also assist in extension back to normal.

Question 14

Ligamentum Nuchae

Answer 14

Origin = external occipital protuberance
Insertion = Foramen magnum
Function = Support head, resist flexion, helps to return to anatomical position.

Question 15

Interspinous Ligaments

Answer 15

Origin = Base of superior spinous process
Insertion = Apex of inferior spinous process

Function = limit flexion on vertebral column