Vertebral Column

Question 1

Functions of the Vertebral Column

Answer 1

1. Supports the weight of the head, neck, and trunk
2. Transfers weight to the lower lims
3. Encloses and protects the spinal cord
4. Helps maintain the upright position of the body

Question 2

Kyphosis

Answer 2

exaggerated primary curvature of thoracic spine

Causes: 1) Cogenital

2) Occupational
3) Oseoporosis
4) Fractures
5) Degenerating discs

Question 3

Lordosis

Answer 3

Secondary lumar exaggerated

Pregnancy, obesity

Question 4

Scoliosis

Answer 4

Lateral curvature of spine

idiopathic, stroke, herniated disc, hemi-vertebra, short leg

Question 5

nucleus pulposus

Answer 5

derived from notochord

filled with fibrogelatinous pulp (10% water in youth)

changes with age (loses H2O and turgidity)

functions as a shock absorber during locomotion

Question 6

Disc Herniation

Answer 6

Nucleus pulposus usually herniates dorsolaterally through the thinnest part of the anulus fibrosis

herniated disc can compress spinal rootlets and nerves

tissue edema following injury can also cause nerve damage