Vertebral Column and Vertebra Flashcards
What separates the vertebra
IV discs
What are the functions of the vertebral column
- muscle attachment
- mobility
- protection
- weight transfer
- haematopoiesis
how many cervical vertebrae are there
- 7 cervical
how many thoracic vertebrae are there
12 thoracic
how many lumber vertebrae are there
5 lumbar
how many sacral vertebrae are there
5 segments in sacrum
how many coccygeal vertebrae are there
4 segments in coccyx
what are the 4 principle curves
cervical - lordosis
thoracic - kyphosis
lumbar - lordosis
sacral - kyphosis
what are the components of vertebrae
- vertebral body
- vertebral arch (pedicles & lamina)
- 1 spinous process (post)
- 2 transverse processes (lateral)
- 4 articular processes (superior & inferior)
What are the features of the 1st cervical vertebra (Atlas)
- no body
- no spinous process
- ant. and post. arches with tubercle
- superior articular surfaces (occipital condyles)
what are the features of the 2nd cervical vertebra (Axis)
- odontoid process projects up from body
- atlas rotates on flat superior articular facets
what are the features of the cervical vertebrae (C3-7)
- uncinate process of body
transverse process: - foramen transversarium
- ant. & post. tubercles with groove for spinal nerve
- bifid spinous process
what are the features of the thoracic vertebrae (T1-12)
- costal facets for rib articulation
- ant. & post. vertical articular facets
- long sloping spinous process
what are the features of the lumber vertebrae
- large kidney shaped body
- accessory process on each transverse process
- mammillary process on each sup. articular process
- articular facets directed posteromedially and anterolaterally
what are the features of the sacral vertebrae (S1-5)
- fused
median crest - spinous processes
intermediate crest - articular processes
lateral crest - transverse processes
