Vertebral Column Flashcards
Vertebral column
33 vertebrae - 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 4 coccyx
Kyphosis
Original spinal curvature since birth; maintained in the thoracic and sacral region; primary curvature; and concave anteriorly (outwards)
Lordosis
New curvature; found in the cervical and lumbar region; secondary curvature; concave posteriorly (inwards)
Cervical lordosis
Secondary curvature acquired when the infant can support the weight of the head
Lumbar lordosis
Secondary curvature acquired when the infant walks and supports his/her own weight
Excessive kyphosis
Humpback, hunchback
Excessive lordosis
Hollowback, swayback
Scoliosis
Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine
Which vertebrae contain transverse foramen?
Cervical vertebrae
Which vertebrae bear facets for the ribs?
Thoracic vertebrae
Which vertebrae have a massive body?
Lumbar vertebrae - intended to support more weight
What is the sacrum composed of?
5 fused vertebrae
What is the coccyx composed of?
4 vertebrae, with the last 3 often fused into a single bone
What does the coccyx lack?
Vertebral arches and a vertebral canal
Cervical rib
Extra rib articulating with C7. The presence of a cervical rib can cause a form of thoracic outlet syndrome (compression of the brachial plexus or subclavian Vs)
Lumbar rib
Extra rib articulating with L1
Sacralization
L5 is partially incorporated into the sacrum
Lumbarization
S1 is separated from the rest of the sacrum
Intervertebral discs
Joints of the vertebral bodies
What do IV discs contain?
IV discs are secondary cartilaginous joints designed for weight-bearing and strength. It contains an annulus fibrosis, which is an outer fibrous part, composed of concentric lamellae of fibro-cartilage, as well as a nucleus pulposus, which is a gelatinous central mass.
Herniated disc
A protrusion of the nucleus pulposus into or through the annulus fibrosis
Z discs
Joints of the vertebral arches