Vertebral Column Flashcards
Cervical Vetebrae
7
Thorcic Vertebrae
12 total each of which articulates with a pair of ribs
Lumbar
5 large vertebrae for support of the bodies weight
Sacral
5 fused vertebrae for stability in the transfer of weight from the trunk to the lower limbs
Coccyx
4 usual two though 4 are fused. The coccyx lacks vertebral arches and has no vertebral canal.
Curvature of the vertebral colum
Primary curvature is Kyphosis
Secondary curvature is Lardosis
Therefor:
Cervical Lardosis is considered Secondary
Thoracic Kyphosisis considered Primary
Lumbar Lardosis is considered Secondary
Sacrum Kyphosis is considered Primary
Excessive Kyphosis
Hunchback
Excessive Lardosis
Hollow back or Sway Back
Scoliosis
Abnormal Lateral Curvature
Vertebrae Characteristics
Cervical- Contains Transverse Foramina, The spinous process is bifid and points directly posterior. Lastly, it is the region with the greatest range of movement.
Thoracic- The Spinous process is long and sharp and projects inferiorly (down). The transverse processes contain facets for the ribs. Except T11 and T12
Lumbar- Body is massive and kidney shaped. The spinous process is short and begins to project directly posteriorly again. The superior facets are directed posteriormedially and inferior facets are directed anterolaterally.
Cervical Rib
Extra rib articualting with C7
Lumbar Rib
Extra rib articulating with L1
Sacralization
L5 partially incorporated into the sacrum
Lumbarization
S1 is partially separated from the rest of the sacrum
What are the joints of the Vertebral Bodies
SECONDARY CARTILAGINOUS joints called
Intervertebral disks i.e IV disks
What does an IV disk consist of?
- Annulus fibrosis- outer fibrous part
2. Nucleus pulposus- gelatinous central mass
Herniated Disk
Is when the Nucleus Pulposus protudes into or through the Annulus Firbrosis
What are the joints of the vertebral arches?
Z joints (Zygapophysial) between the superior and inferior articular process(above and below the spinous process) It is PLANE SYNOVIAL. It allows some gliding and sliding movements.
Ligamientum Flavum
Connects adjacent Vertebral Laminae. When doing a
Ligamentum Nuchae (nuchal ligament)
Strong triangular ligament at the back of the neck. It is the direct continuation of the the Supraspinous ligament( the ligament that connects the spinous tips.
Cuada equina
horse tail
Spinal Cord
Extends from the foramen magnum down to L1 or L2
L3 in children
Spinal Cord Grey and White Matter
The gray matter is the H-shaped appearance of the spinal cord it is rich in nerve cell bodies.
The white matter is rich in nerve cell processes which form large bundles and tracts.
Spinal Cord Enlargements
Enlargements are associated with the origin of spinal nerves that innervate the upper and lower limb
- Cervical Enlargement (C5-T1)
- Lumbosacral Enlargment (L1-S3)