Vertebral Column and Vertebrae

Question 1

Vertebral column

Answer 1

Support, movement, protection. Consists of 33 vertebrae -7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 4 coccygeal. All have same general layout with subtle differences.

Question 2

Primary curvature

Answer 2

Concave anteriorly - retained in thoracic and sacral region (embryo) kyphosis

Question 3

Secondary curvature

Answer 3

Concave posteriorly - cervical and lumbar. Brings everything in line for efficiency in muscle usage. lordosis

Question 4

Vertebrae

Answer 4

Vertebral body and arch. From arch come processes for muscle attachment and articulate points. Pedicles, laminae (flat sheets of bone to form roof of vertebral arch). Spinous process - site for muscle and ligament attachement. Transverse process - site for rib articulation. Superior/inferior articular processes - for vertebrae. Notches.

Question 5

Transverse process

Answer 5

Transverse process - site for rib articulation.

Question 6

Superior/inferior articular processes - for vertebrae.

Answer 6

Superior/inferior articular processes - for vertebrae.

Question 7

Spinous process

Answer 7

site for muscle and ligament

Question 8

Vertebral foramina

Answer 8

Form vertebral canal for spine.

Question 9

Intervertebral foramina

Answer 9

Holes on side due to articulation. Allow structures (spinal nerves, blood vessels) access.

Question 10

Cervical vert

Answer 10

Foramen transversarium (protect vertebral artery). Short spinous process. Atlas and Axis.

Question 11

Atlas

Answer 11

C1 - no vertebral body, ring shaped. Allows for nodding.

Question 12

Axis

Answer 12

C2 - rotation

Question 13

Thoracic vertebrae

Answer 13

Costal facets - articulates with its own rib and the head of the rib below.

Question 14

Lumbar

Answer 14

Transverse process = thin and long. Body is cylindrical, foramen is triangular.

Question 15

Sacrum

Answer 15

5 fused vert.

Question 16

Coccyx

Answer 16

4 fused vert