Vertebral Column Osteology Flashcards
The vertebral column
Segmented structure that supports trunk posture, allows trunk movement, transmits the weight of the head, neck, trunk, and upper limb to the lower limb, and protects the spinal cord.
The osteological elements of the vertebral column include the following bones (bilaterally):
7 cervical vertebrae
12 thoracic vertebrae
5 lumbar vertebrae
5 sacral vertebrae
4 coccygeal vertebrae
The vertebral column is part of the _____ skeleton.
Axial
Primary Curvatures
Thoracic
Sacral
Secondary Curvatures
Cervical
Lumbar
The curvatures of the human vertebral columns accommodate our:
Erect, bipedal posture and locomotion
Body of Cervical Vertebral Column
Small, wider side to side
Spinous process of Cervical Vertebral Column
Short, bifid, projects posteriorly
Vertebral foramen of Cervical Vertebral Column
Triangular in Shape
Transverse process of Cervical Vertebral Column
Have foramina
Superior & Inferior Articular Processes of Cervical Vertebral Column
Directed superoposteriorly
Movement allowed in Cervical Vertebral Coulumn
Flexion & extension Lateral flexion Rotation (greatest range of motion for entire vertebral column)
Cervical Ribs
An extra rib (or pair of ribs) arises from the 7th cervical vertebra Can result in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Other possible causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Fractured Clavicle Extra muscle or scar tissue in the region of the scalene muscles Poor posture of the neck/shoulder region Anomalous anatomical variation involving muscles and/or vasculature Can occur in different areas
Body of Thoracic Vertebral Column
Larger, heart-shaped, costal facets
Spinous process of Thoracic Vertebral Column
Long & sharp, project inferiorly
Vertebral foramen of Thoracic Vertebral Column
Circular
Transverse process of Thoracic Vertebral Column
Facets for ribs (except T1 and T12)
Superior & Inferior Articular Processes of Thoracic Vertebral Column
Superior facets directed posteriorly Inferior facets directed anteriorly
Movements allowed in the Thoracic Vertebral Column
Rotation, lateral flexion is limited, flexion & extension are prevented
Body of Lumbar Vertebral Column
Massive, Kidney-shaped
Spinous process of Lumbar Vertebral Column
Short & blunt, rectangular shaped, project posteriorly
Vertebral foramen of Lumbar Vertebral Column
Triangular
Transverse process of Lumbar Vertebral Column
Thin & tapered
Superior & Inferior Articular Processes of Lumbar Vertebral Column
Superior directed posteromedially Inferior directs anterolaterally or laterally
Movements allowed in Lumbar Vertebral Column
Flexion & extension, some lateral flexion, rotation prevented