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