Vertebral Column Flashcards
List typical features of vertebrae
- Spinous processes
- Transverse processes
- Superior and inferior articulating processes (and facets)
- Vertebral arch (pedicle, lamina, pars interarticulata)
- Vertebral body
- Vertebral foremen
When articulated:
- Vertebral column
- Intervertebral foramina
What are the primary functions of vertebrae?
- Weight bearing (reason small body- cervical and large body-lumbar)
- Protect spinal cord (for amen)
- Anchoring for muscles and ligaments (i.e. processes)
What causes spondylosis?
Defect in the fusion of pedicle and lamina by pars interarticulata.
- Affects ~5% of population, usually asymptomatic
- 90% L5,10% L4; can be uni- or bilateral
Of the following, what is not a unique feature of typical cervical vertebrae?
- transverse foremen
- bifid spinous processes
- small vertebral foramina
- small vertebral body
Small vertebral foramina is NOT correct, the spinal cord is largest cranially so the foramina are actually largest here.
Other unique characteristics: anterior and posterior tubercles on transverse processes and uncinate processes (for uncinate joint), also have superior articulating facets (change from 0 deg to 45 cranial to caudal)
Describe the atypical cervical vertebrae
C1 (atlas)- no vertebral body, large vertebral foramina. Considered anterior and posterior arch, with lateral masses that assist with articulating with the cranium.
C2 (axis) - Dens (Otondoid) process, articulates with C1. Permits axial rotation
C7: Long, palpable spinous process
T/F, coastal facets are unique to thoracic vertebrae
TRUE! This includes the superior and inferior facets (rib articulates) on the vertebral body, as well as the coastal facets on the transverse process (tubercle of the rib)
Other unique traits: palpable spinous processes, facet orientation adjusts from lateral to medial
Name the unique processes on lumbar vertebrae
Mammillary and accessory
- mammillary located on posterior tip of sup. Articulating process
- accessory located on transverse processes, inferno lateral and posterior to mammillary
Additionally - transverse processes ~~ coastal processes - rudimentary ribs
Articulating process orientation - nearly Saginaw
What are the features of the sacrum and coccyx?
Sacrum:
1. Promontory - anterior and superior midline projection of sacral plateau
2. Anterior and posterior foramina (different due to tunnel effect)
3. Sacral hiatus - posterior, caused by S5 lacking median sacral tubercle
4. Sacral cornus - posterior, horn-like prominences surrounds sacral hiatus
5. Medial sacral crest - posterior, ridge formed by 4 rudimentary sacral spinous processes
6. Sacral canal - formed by fusion of sacral vertebra foramina; continuous with vertebral canal
7. Auricular surface - ear shaped, articulate to ilium
8 ILA, inferolateral angle: posterior margin inferior to auricular surface
Coccyx: 4 rudimentary coccygeal, distal 3 fuse early in adulthood, all four fuse later
1. Cornua of coccyx, Horn like, extends laterally from Co1
Why are women more susceptible to coccyx injuries? What is coccydynia?
Due to the lessened curvature of the sacrum, female coccyx is more superficial (so as to not block birth canal), coccyx can be injured in child birth
Coccydynia = pain near coccyx, 5x more common in females
Where are the IVD’s thickest? A. Cervical B. Throracic C. Lumbar D. A and C
D. Cervical and lumbar - where column is more mobile
Describe the vertebral body joint and it’s function.
Sympheasial joint characterized by the fusion of hyaline covered end-plate of adj. vertebrae with fibrocartiliganous intervertebral disks
IVDs:
- Annulus fibrosis: tough fibrocartilage and fibrous tissue, outside of IVD (absorbs shock, and limits rotation between adj. vertebrae)
- Nucleus purposus: inner, center of disk. Absorbs water when relaxed and excretes water when compressed - H20 concentration can change stature 1-2 cm
Describe the Uncinate joint, it’s location, and it’s function
Synovial joint that is characterized by the articulation of superior and inferior articulate processes
Location: Cervical vertebrae ( C3-C7)
Function: Stabilizes cervical column
Describe the zygapophysial (facet) joint and their function
Facet joints occur between superior and inferior articulating facets of adjacent vertebrae
Function: possible movements are affected by orientation of facet, which vary across column
(Cervical = lateral, thoracic= lateral - medial, lumbar = saggital)
Briefly define the following:
I. Sacroiliac joint
II. Craniovertebral joint
III. Coastovertebral joint
I. Auricular surface of sacrum with ilium
II. between cranium, C1 and C2
III. Between rib and thoracic vertebrae coastal facets
What is the attachment, morphology and function of the anterior longitudinal ligament(s)?
Attachment: occipital, C1 anterior tubercle and anterior vertebral bodies (C1-S1)
Morphology: One single, broad band, continuous in shape/size
Function: limit extension
What is the attachment, morphology and function of the posterior longitudinal ligament?
Attachment: posterior vertebral bodies of C2-sacrum
Morphology: broad and thick cranially, as it descends causally it narrows at vertebral bodies and wides at IVD’s
Function: Limits flexion
What causes possible herniation in vertebral column?
Postereolateral IVD’s are not covered/reinforced by the posterior ligament and therefore and prone to hernias
What is the attachment, morphology, and function of ligamentum flava? How many are there?
23 each side, C2-S1
Attachment: between lamina of adjacent vertebrae
Morphology: strong, highly elastic bands
Function: resists separation between lamina during flexion/lateral flexion. Also restores erect posture “elastic energy return”
Describe the attachment, morphology, and function of the intertransverse ligament
24 C1-S1
Attachment: transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae
Morphology: cords that can be intertwined with intertransverse muscles
Function: limits contralateral lateral flexion
Compare and contrast the attachment, morphology and function of interspinous and supraspinous ligaments
Both attach to spinous processes, but at different vertebrae. Interspinous is between spinous processes of all adjacent vertebrae (except C1), while supraspinous attaches to the tip of spinous processes beginning with C7. Both resist flexion and rotation.
Interspinous: 24 C2-S1
Attaches: between adjacent spinous processes
Morphology: strong, deep bands
Function: resist flexion and rotation
Superspinous:
Attaches: tip of spinous processes C7-S1
Morphology: one continuous band
Function: resists flexion and rotation
Describe the attachment, morphology and function of the nucal ligament
Attachment: Cranial posterior occipital protruberance to C7, situated in the notches of bifid spinous processes
Morphology: 1 band, strong bilaminar inter muscular septum continuous with supraspinous ligament
Function: muscle attachment and resists flexion
Describe the arterial supply of vertebrae:
Each vertebrae supplied by segmental artery (named by region) gives these branches:
- Posterior(dorsal) -> branches to vertebral arch
- Periostial -> periosteum layer of vertebral body
- Equatorial -> vertebral body deep to periosteum
- Spinal, thru intervertebral foramen -> branches to spinal cord/ meninges and nutrient artery (innermost vertebral body)
Describe the venous and lymphatic drainage of vertebrae:
Internal and external plexus:
- Internal - main drainage for vertebral body
- External - communicates with internal plexus and drains to segmental vein system; open communication leads to infection (one venous system from cranial rural sinuses to pelvis)
Lymph is considered to follow the same process
How are the vertebrae innervated?
Facet innervation: two articulating branches of dorsal rami of adj. spinal nerves
Vertebral column (periosteum, annuli fibrosis of IVDs, ligaments, meninges): recurrent meningeal branches of spinal nerves on each side ***sympathic source
Nerve fibers carry pain and proprioceptive info (indicates body position)
