Vertebral Column, Sternum and Ribs Flashcards
Between each pair of non-fused vertebrae, there is an….
- intervertebral disc
What holds the vertebral column together?
- a host of ligaments
What are the functions of the vetrebral column?
- protect the spinal cord
- serves as an attachment point for muscles, the ribs, and the pelvic girdle
- supports the head
When viewing the vertebral column laterally, what shape does it make?
- a double S
- the spine has 4 curves
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What are the five regions of the vertebral column?
- from top to bottom **
- cervical
- thoracic
- lumbar
- sacrum
- coccyx
What is the function of the spines curve?
- Increase the strength of the vertebral column
- Shock absorption
- Help maintain balance in the upright posture
What is the vertebral foramen?
- collectively, these form the vertebral canal, which contains the spinal cord
What joints make up the “3-Joint Complex” of the vertebrae?
- Intervertebral disc
- Zygapophyseal
(facet) joint (2)
What are the intervertebral discs composed of?
- Annulus fibrosus (outer ring of fibrocartilage)
- Nucleus pulposus (inner elastic core)
Describe an intervertebral disc herniation.
- damage (tear) the annulus fibrosus can cause the nucleus pulposus to protrude (herniate) through the annulus fibrosus into the vertebral foramen
- often herniates posterolaterally
What is compression of the spinal nerves or spinal nerve roots called?
- radiculopathy
What is compression of the spinal cord or cauda equina called?
- myelopathy
What are some unique features of the cervical vertebrae?
- Small vertebral body
- Large vertebral foramen
- Small transverse processes
- Bifid spinous process
- Transverse foramen (2)
What is the purpose of the transverse foramen?
- Vertebral artery
- Vertebral vein
What are some unique and specific features for Atlas (C1)?
- NO BODY
- NO SPINOUS PROCESS
- Anterior & posterior arches
- Lateral masses (2)
What are some unique and specific features for Axis (C2)?
- Large spinous process
- Odontoid process (dens)
Why is the odontoid process (dens) important?
- Atlanto-axial joint
- a ligament holds this bone in place and essentially keeps the head in place
What are some unique and specific features for the thoracic vertebrae?
- 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)
What are some unique and specific features for the lumbar vertebrae?
- largest
- short and blunt spinous process
What is the area referred to at the top of the sacrum?
- the base
What is the area referred to at the bottom of the sacrum?
- the apex
Why is the auricular surface important?
- created the sacroiliac joint which connects the sacrum and ilium (hip bone)
What is the superior articular process (2) important?
- creates the lumbosacral joints, connecting the sacrum to the fifth lumbar vertebra
What is the thoracic cage composed of?
- Sternum
- Ribs and their costal cartilages
- Vertebral bodies of the thoracic vertebrae
