vertebral column and internal muscles of the back Flashcards
what are the functions of the vertebral coulumn?
-support for head and rest of body
-involved in movement
-protection
what Is the function of the vertebral body?
transfers the weight (large part of the vertebrae)
pedicle?
foot of arch
transverse process?
muscle/ligament attatchement
lamina?
lateral and posterior part of arch.
spinous process?
muscle/ligament attatchment, most posterior part of vertebrae which we can feel from the surface.
superior/inferior articular process
form joints
superior/inferior vertebral notches
form intervertebral foramen
where does the spinal cord end?
L1/L2
what is the caudal equina?
where the spinal nerves descend to exit
which part of the vertebral column is the most mobile?
the cervical
which part of the vertebral body has the least rotation?
lumbar
which joints are in between superior and inferior articular facets?
zygapophyseal joints which are plane, synovial joints
which joint is formed between the vertebral bodies?
symphysis (intervertebral discs) which have cartilage between them, directly connected and continuous
how many joints does each vertebrae form?
6
4 x zygapophyseal
2 x IVD
what is the function of the IVD?
-provides stability and flexibility
-pressure regulation
-water cushion function which absorbs shock
what is the structure of the IVD?
annulus fibrous ; high tensile strength, fibrous sheath on outer surface (collagen layers in rings), fibrocartilage inner zone
nucleus pulpous ; high resilience, gelatinous structure, 80-85% water