Vertebral Column Flashcards
What are the 4 curvatures of the vertebral column
Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic
Which way does the cervical curvature bow?
Anterior
Which way does the thoracic curvature bow?
Posterior
Which way does the lumbar curvature bow?
Anterior
Which way does the pelvic curvature bow?
Posterior
What structures lie between vertebral disks?
Intervertebral disks
What are intervertebral disks?
Fibrocartilaginous pads
What is scoliosis?
Irregular Lateral curvature of the spine
What is kyphosis?
An exaggerated thoracic curvature. “Hunchback”
What is lordosis?
Exaggerated lumbar curvature. “Swayback”
Spinous process (cervical vertebrae)
Identify
Lamina (cervical vertebrae)
Identify
Vertebral foramen (cervical vertebrae)
Identify
Body (cervical vertebrae)
Identify
Transverse foramen (cervical vertebrae)
Identify
Transverse process (cervical vertebrae)
Identify
Superior articular surface (cervical vertebrae)
Identify
Inferior articular process (cervical vertebrae)
Identify
What is C1 referred to as?
Atlas
Anterior tubercle (C1)
Identify
Anterior arch (C1)
Identify
Superior articular facet (C1)
Identify
Transverse foramen (C1)
Identify
Posterior arch (C1)
Identify
Lateral masses (C1)
Identify
What is C2 referred to as?
Axis
Dens (odontoid process) (C2)
Identify
Superior articular facet (C2)
Identify
Transverse foramen (C2)
Identify
Transverse process (C2)
Identify
Inferior articular process (C2)
Identify
Lamina (C2)
Identify
Spinous process (C2)
Identify
Pedicle (C2)
Identify
Body (C2)
Identify
What 2 characteristics distinguish cervical vertebrae?
Transverse foramen andand a bifid spinous process
What characteristic distinguishes thoracic vertebrae?
- Markings on the lateral posterior surface of the body, which are attachment points for ribs
- Sharp spinous process which point sharply downward
Spinous process (thoracic vertebrae)
Identify