Vertebral Column And Spinal Cord Flashcards
What dictates the movements of the vertebral column?
The shape and position of superior and inferior articular facets
What type of movements occur in the lumbar region of the vertebral column?
Flexion and extension
What type of movements occur in the thoracic region of the vertebral column?
Rotation
What are the typical bony components of a vertebra?
Vertebral foramen Centrum/body Transverse processes Vertebral peduncles Spinous processes Vertebral lamina
Describe the body, spinous process, and vertebral foramen of a typical cervical vertebrae (C3-C7)
Body: small, wider side to side
Spinous process: short, bifid
Vertebral foramen: triangular
Describe the articular processes and movements characteristic of a typical cervical vertebrae
Superior and inferior articular processes - directed superoposteriorly
Movements: flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation
What condition is characterized by impingement of neurovasculature in cervical region by cervical ribs?
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Aside from cervical ribs, what are some other causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Fractured clavicle
Extra muscle or scar tissue in the region of the scalene muscles
Poor posture of the neck and shoulder regions
How many of each type of vertebrae are there?
Cervical = 7
Thoracic = 12
Lumbar = 5
Sacrum = 5 fused
What is something unique about thoracic vertebrae that is not true of the other types?
They articulate with ribs
Describe the body, spinous processes, and vertebral foramen shape of thoracic vertebrae
Body: heart-shaped, costal facets
Spinous process: long and sharp, project inferiorly
Vertebral foramen: circular
Describe the transverse processes and superior and inferior articular processes of thoracic vertebrae
Transverse processes: facets for ribs (except T1 and T12)
Superior and inferior articular processes: superior facets directed posteriorly, inferior facets directed anteriorly
What movements are allowed in thoracic vertebrae?
Rotation
[Lateral flexion is limited, flexion and extension are prevented]
Which thoracic vertebrae LACK facets for ribs?
T1 and T12
Describe the body, spinous processes, and vertebral foramen shape of lumbar vertebrae
Body: massive, kidney shaped
Spinous process: short and blunt, rectangular shaped, project posteriorly
Vertebral foramen: triangular
Describe transverse processes and superior/inferior articular processes of lumbar vertebrae
Transverse processes: thin and tapered
Articular processes: superior are directed posteromedially; inferior are directed anterolaterally/laterally
What movements are allowed at the lumbar vertebrae?
Flexion and extension; some lateral flexion
[rotation is prevented!]
The sacrum is comprised of 5 fused vertebrae, what are its primary functions?
Provide strength and stability to pelvis
Houses and anchors the inferior spinal cord
Attached to the inferior end of the sacrum are 3-4 small, fused vertebrae called the _______
Coccyx
__________ ________ is an element of surrounding soft tissue of the vertebral column composed of anterior, middle, and posterior laminae that lay out the general arrangement of musculature and fascial compartments
Thoracolumbar fascia
The anterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia covers the ventral surface of which muscle?
Quadratus lumborum m.
The middle layer of thoracolumbar fascia separates the quadratus lumborum m. from what muscle group?
Erector spinae group
The posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia lines the posterior surfaces of what 2 muscle groups?
Transversospinalis mm.
Erector spinae mm.