Vertebral Column Flashcards
How many vertebrae are there in the vertebral column?
33
Which part of the vertebra can be used to diagnose osteoporosis?
Body - appears less dense in X-ray
What are the main functions of the vertebral column?
Protection, support, movement, haemopoiesis, axis
How many different regions can the vertebral column be separated into?
5
What are the different regions of the vertebral column?
cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal
How many bones make up the cervical part of the vertebral column?
7
How many bones make up the thoracic region of the vertebral column?
12
How many bones make up the lumbar region of the vertebral column?
5
How many bones make up the sacral part of the vertebral column?
5 (fused together to form sacrum?
How many bones make up the coccygeal region of the vertebral column?
4 (fused together to form coccyx)
Which are the very mobile parts of the vertebral column?
cervical and lumbar
Which are the relatively immobile parts of the vertebral column?
thoracic
Which part of the vertebra lies between the transverse and spinal processes?
lamina
Which part of the vertebra lies between the body and transverse process?
pedicle
In which direction does the nucleus pulposus most commonly herniate?
posterolaterally
The superior and inferior aspects of the vertebral body are lined with which type of cartilage?
hyaline
What is the common structure of all vertebrae?
- vertebral body anteriorly
- vertebral arch posteriorly
What separated adjacent vertebral bodies?
fibrocartilaginous intervertebral discs
What does the vertebral arch give rise to?
7 spinous processes
What is the functions of the spinous processes?
Serves to attach muscles and ligaments
