Vertebral Column Osteology Flashcards
What is the function of the vertebral column?
The function of the vertebral column is to support trunk posture, allow trunk movement, transmit the weight of te head, neck, trunk, and upper limb to the lower limbs, and protects the spinal cord.
What is the axial skeleton comprised of?
The axial skeleton is comprised of the cranium, vertebral column, ribs, and the sternum.
How many cervical vertebrae are there?
There are 7 cervical vertebrae
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
There are 12 thoracic vertebrae
How many lumbar vertebrae are there?
There are 5 lumbar vertebrae
How many sacral vertebrae are there?
There are 5 sacral vertebrae and are fused in adults to form the sacrum
How many coccygeal vertebrae are there?
There are 4 coccygeal vertebrae fuse in adults to form the coccyx
what is the lumbosacral angle?
The lumbosacral angle occurs at the junciton of the longs axes of the lumbar region of the vertebral column and the sacrum
Where in th column do vertebrae reach its maximum size?
The vertebrae reach maximum size jsut immediately superior to sacrum. This transfers weight to the pelvic girdle at the sacro-iliac joints.
What type of joint is articulated among the superior 25 vertebrae that facilitates the spines flexibility?
These joints are called zygapophysial (facet) joints.
What features do the typical vertebrae consist of?
The typical vertebra has
a) vertebral body
b) vertebral arch
c) seven processes
Describe the curvature in the different sections of the vertebral column
Cervical= lordosis (concave)
thoracic= kyphosis (convex)
lumbar = lordosis (concave)
sacral = kyphosis (convex)
Surface Anatomy of the Vertebral Column. What vertebra is the most evident superficially?
C7 spinous process is the most evident superficially and is hence called vertebra prominens.
List the surface anatomy of the cervical vertebrae.
Name the surface anatomy in this image.
What and where is the nuchal groove?
The nuchal groove is a groove between your neck muscles where you may be able to feel the short bifid spinous processes of the C3-C5 vertebrae.
What is the medial longitudinal furrow?
This is the groove that runs the length of your back and is what the thoracic vertebrae lie deep to.
How can you identify T12 spinous process?
You can identify T 12 spinous process by palpating the short 12th rib which joins to the T12 vertebrae.
What vertebrae is the largest and carries the weight of the whole upper body?
L5 and is distinguished by its massive body and transverse processes. It is also very tall anteriorly and is responsible for the lumbosacral anlge
What is the triangular shape of the scarum a result of?
The triangular shape of the sacrum results from the rapid decreases in the size of the inferior lateral masses of the sacral vertebrae during development.
What is the pelvic girdle?
The pelvic girdle is the bony ring formed by the hip bones and sacrum, to which the lower limbs are attached.
What is the sacral canal?
It is a continuation of the vertebral canal in the sacrum
What has the sacral hiatus developed from and what does it represent?
The sacral hiatus is a result from absence of the laminae and spinous process of S5 and sometimes S4. The sacral hiatus leads into the sacral canal.
What is meant by the auricular surface of the sacrum?
The lateral surface of the sacrum looks like an auricle so it is called the auricular surface of the sacrum.
What vertebrae spinous process is identified by drawing a line from the highest points of the iliac crest landmarks?
The tip of the L4 spinous process is found when one draws a horizontal line between the highest parts of the iliac crests and is helpful when performing a CSF sample (spinal tap)
What spinous process is found within the horizontal line connecting the posterior superior iliac spines?
The S2 spinous process lies at the middle of a line drawn between the posterior superior iliac spines which form skin dimples.
what is the sacral triangle formed by?
The sacral triangle is formed from the two posterior superior ilian spines and the superior part of the intergluteal cleft.