Vertebral Column And Development Flashcards
How many cervical vertebrae are there?
7
How many corresponding cervical spinal nerves are there?
8
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
12
How many corresponding thoracic spinal nerves are there?
12
How many lumbar vertebrae are there?
5
How many corresponding lumbar spinal nerves are there?
5
How many sacral vertebrae are there?
5 (fused)
How many coccygeal vertebrae are there?
3-5 (fused)
Where is most of your body weight in relation to your vertebral column?
Anterior to your vertebral column
Why are there curvatures in your spine?
Better flexibility, better able to resist compressive load of body weight
What curvatures are primary (present prior to birth/fetal)?
Thoracic and sacral (kyphosis)
What is kyphosis?
Curvature that is concave anteriorly
What curvatures are secondary (develop after birth)?
Cervical and lumbar (lordosis)
What is lordosis?
Curvature that is convex anteriorly
When does cervical curvature occur?
When infants begin holding their head up
When does lumbar curvature form?
When infants begin to walk
Name three abnormal curvatures of the spine
Excessive kyphosis, excessive lordosis, scoliosis
Which vertebrae have the largest body?
Lumbar
Which vertebrae have the largest vertebral canal?
Cervical
Which vertebrae have the smallest vertebral canal?
Lumbar
Where does the spinal cord end?
L1
Which vertebrae have costal facets?
Thoracic
What features do lumbar vertebrae lack?
Costal facets and transverse foremen
What do intervertebral discs (IVD) do?
Link adjacent vertebral bodies/provide cushioning, increase range of motion, transmit loads from one segment to another, absorb shock
What are the two parts of the intervertebral discs?
Anulus fibrosis and nucleus purposes
What does the anulus fibrosis do?
Limits rotation between bodies providing strength/stability through alternating fiber orientation
What does the nucleus pulposus (of the IVD) do?
Adds to flexibility
Is the nucleus pulposus avascular or vascular?
Avascular - it receives its nutrients from diffusion
What embryonic structure is the nucleus pulposus remnant of?
Embryonic notochord
Where is the Atlanto-occipital joint located?
Between superior articulate facets of C1 and occipital condyles
What sort of movement does the Atlanta-occipital joint allow for?
Primarily flexion; some extension, lateral flexion, rotation
What is unique about the Atlanto-occipital joint?
It is missing a body and there is no intervertebral disc
Where are the uncovertebral joints located?
Uncinate processes of C3-C7 and body superior
What is a common abnormality in the uncovertebral joints?
Bone spurs (osteophytes) that may compress the nerve and artery
Where do spinal nerves exit the vertebrae?
Intervertebral foramen
What determines range of motion in Zygapophyseal joints?
Orientation of articular facets
What is the orientation of the articular facets in the cervical zygapophyseal joints?
Near horizontal, sloped
What motion occurs in the cervical zygapophyseal joints?
Promotes flexion/extension with some lateral extension. Limits rotation.
What is the most mobile region of the vertebrae?
Cervical
Why are cervical vertebrae the most mobile?
There is not as much soft tissue limiting motion, and the intervertebral discs are larger
What is the orientation of the articular facets in the thoracic zygapophyseal joints?
Near vertical
What motion occurs in the thoracic zygapophyseal joints?
Rotation. Limits flexion, extension, and lateral flexion due to overlapping spinous processes and rib cage
How are the articular facets of the lumbar zygapophyseal joints oriented?
Wrapped orientation
What motion occurs in the lumbar zygapophyseal joints?
Flexion/Extension with some Lateral Flexion. Limits rotation.
