Vertebral Column, Sternum and Ribs Flashcards

1
Q

Between each pair of non-fused vertebrae, there is an….

A
  • intervertebral disc
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2
Q

What holds the vertebral column together?

A
  • a host of ligaments
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3
Q

What are the functions of the vetrebral column?

A
  • protect the spinal cord
  • serves as an attachment point for muscles, the ribs, and the pelvic girdle
  • supports the head
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4
Q

When viewing the vertebral column laterally, what shape does it make?

A
  • a double S
  • the spine has 4 curves
    )
    (
    )
    (
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5
Q

What are the five regions of the vertebral column?

A
    • from top to bottom **
  • cervical
  • thoracic
  • lumbar
  • sacrum
  • coccyx
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6
Q

What is the function of the spines curve?

A
  • Increase the strength of the vertebral column
  • Shock absorption
  • Help maintain balance in the upright posture
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7
Q

What is the vertebral foramen?

A
  • collectively, these form the vertebral canal, which contains the spinal cord
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8
Q

What joints make up the “3-Joint Complex” of the vertebrae?

A
  • Intervertebral disc
  • Zygapophyseal
    (facet) joint (2)
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9
Q

What are the intervertebral discs composed of?

A
  • Annulus fibrosus (outer ring of fibrocartilage)

- Nucleus pulposus (inner elastic core)

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10
Q

Describe an intervertebral disc herniation.

A
  • damage (tear) the annulus fibrosus can cause the nucleus pulposus to protrude (herniate) through the annulus fibrosus into the vertebral foramen
  • often herniates posterolaterally
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11
Q

What is compression of the spinal nerves or spinal nerve roots called?

A
  • radiculopathy
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12
Q

What is compression of the spinal cord or cauda equina called?

A
  • myelopathy
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13
Q

What are some unique features of the cervical vertebrae?

A
  • Small vertebral body
  • Large vertebral foramen
  • Small transverse processes
    • Bifid spinous process
    • Transverse foramen (2)
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14
Q

What is the purpose of the transverse foramen?

A
  • Vertebral artery

- Vertebral vein

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15
Q

What are some unique and specific features for Atlas (C1)?

A
  • NO BODY
  • NO SPINOUS PROCESS
  • Anterior & posterior arches
  • Lateral masses (2)
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16
Q

What are some unique and specific features for Axis (C2)?

A
  • Large spinous process

- Odontoid process (dens)

17
Q

Why is the odontoid process (dens) important?

A
  • Atlanto-axial joint

- a ligament holds this bone in place and essentially keeps the head in place

18
Q

What are some unique and specific features for the thoracic vertebrae?

A
  • Longer transverse processes
  • Long, inferiorly-directed spinous process
    • Facet on transverse process (for rib tubercle)
    • Superior demifacet on the body (for rib head)
    • Inferior demifacet on the body (for rib head)
19
Q

What are some unique and specific features for the lumbar vertebrae?

A
  • largest

- short and blunt spinous process

20
Q

What is the area referred to at the top of the sacrum?

A
  • the base
21
Q

What is the area referred to at the bottom of the sacrum?

A
  • the apex
22
Q

Why is the auricular surface important?

A
  • created the sacroiliac joint which connects the sacrum and ilium (hip bone)
23
Q

What is the superior articular process (2) important?

A
  • creates the lumbosacral joints, connecting the sacrum to the fifth lumbar vertebra
24
Q

What is the thoracic cage composed of?

A
  • Sternum
  • Ribs and their costal cartilages
  • Vertebral bodies of the thoracic vertebrae
25
Q

What are the functions of the thoracic cage?

A
  • Protect the organs of the thoracic cavity (e.g., lungs, heart) and superior abdominal cavity (e.g., liver)
  • Attachment point for muscles and the pectoral (shoulder) girdles
  • Assist in breathing
26
Q

What are the three main parts of the sternum from top to bottom?

A
  • manubrium
  • body
  • xiphoid process
27
Q

What are the two important parts at the top of the manubrium?

A
  • Suprasternal notch

- Clavicular notch (2)

28
Q

How many pairs of ribs are there?

A
  • 12
29
Q

Which ribs see an increase in length?

A
  • 1-7
30
Q

Which ribs see a decrease in length?

A
  • 8-12
31
Q

What do the ribs articulate with anteriorly?

A
  • the sternum via strips of hyaline cartilage called costal cartilages
    = Sternocostal joints
32
Q

What do the ribs articulate with posteriorly?

A
  • the thoracic vertebrae

= Vertebrocostal joints

33
Q

What are ribs 1-7 referred as?

A
  • “True ribs”

- Have costal cartilages that attach directly to the sternum

34
Q

What are ribs 8-12 considered?

A
  • “False ribs”

- Have costal cartilages that attach indirectly to the sternum or not at all

35
Q

What are ribs 11-12 considered?

A
  • “Floating ribs”

- Do not attach to the sternum