Vertebral Column and Spinal Cord Flashcards
What is the distinctive feature of cervical vertebrae?
Transverse foramen. Contains vertebral artery and vein.
What is different about the spinous process of cervical vertebrae?
Bifid
Describe the distinguishing features of C1 (atlas)
- no spinous process or body
- anterior + posterior arch, each of which have lateral mass with tubercle for ligament which holds dens in place
Describe the distinguishing features of C2 (axis)
- 2 superior facets which atlas rotates on
- dens -pivot to allow head to rotate side/side
Describe the distinguishing features of thoracic vertebrae
- heart-shaped body
- demi-facets for articulation with rib
- long spinous processes
- costal facet on transverse process for rib articulation
Describe the distinguishing features of lumbar vertebrae
- large size
- triangular vertebral foramen
- long, thin transverse processes
- short, sturdy spinous processes
What is the role of:
a) facet joint
b) IV disc
c) ligaments
a) connect superior + inferior articular processes of adjacent vertebrae
b) absorb shock, increase flexibility
c) bind vertebrae together
What are the 2 components of the IV disc? What is their function?
Annulus fibrosis: outer disc, limits rotation
Nucleus pulposus: centre disc, absorbs shock
Which level does the spinal cord end in
a) newborns
b) adults
a) L3
b) L1
What does the subdural space contain?
Air
What does the subarachnoid space contain?
CSF
What does the epidural space contain?
Loose connective tissue, fat, venous plexus
Where does the anterior spinal artery originate and what does it supply?
Vertebral arteries, supplies Pia mater, spinal cord and cauda equina
Where does the posterior spinal artery originate and what does it supply?
Posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Supplies grey + white posterior columns of spinal cord.
