Vertebral Column And Back Flashcards
How many bones are in the vertebral column?
33 individual bones plus intervertebral discs
What are four functions of the vertebral column?
Weight bearing
Protection
Movement
Attachment for muscles
What are the two regions of the spine that are curved inwards called?
Cervical and lumbar lordoses which develop during infancy.
What are the two regions of the spine that curve outwards called?
Thoracic and sacral kyphoses which are already present in the foetus.
When does excessive thoracic kyphosis occur?
In osteoporosis
When does excessive lumbar lordosis occur?
During pregnancy.
What are the two components of the intervertebral discs?
The central core is the nucleus pulposus which has a high water content.
The surrounding layers of annulus fibrosus are made of fibrocartilage.
What is a slipped disc?
It is a herniated disc (nucleus pulposus) that compresses the nerve roots.
What are the four components of the meninges?
Dura mater (thick and tough)
Arachnoid mater
Pia mater (difficult to separate from spinal cord)
CSF
What movements does the vertebral column allow?
Extension/flexion
Lateral flexion/Extension
Rotation of head and neck/upper trunk
What type of joint is between intervertebral discs?
Secondary cartilaginous joint
Sympheses
What kind of joint is between facets?
Synovial plane
What are the joints between the vertebral body and the ribs?
Synovial plane
What is the joint between the skull and atlas?
Synovial ellipsoid
What is the joint between the atlas and axis?
Synovial pivot
