Vertebral Features

Question 1

Centrum (=body)

Answer 1

• The weight bearing portion of the vertebra, it is located ventrally and is drum shaped; has deni-facets for attachment of ribs in the thoracic spine
• Only c1, the atlas, lack a body

Question 2

Spinous Process (= neural spine)

Answer 2

Projects dorsally from the neural arch. It may be straight or inclined forwards or backwards

Question 3

Transverse Processes

Answer 3

Project laterally to each side of many vertebrae; are prominent in lumbar vertebrae, reduced with facets for attachment of ribs in the thoracic vertebrae, and contain transverse foramina in cervical vertebrae

Question 4

Vertebral Foramen (=Vertebral canal)

Answer 4

Large space enclosed by the centrum and neural arch, forms the vertebral canal for protection of the spinal cord

Question 5

Neural Arch

Answer 5

Extends dorsally from the centrum, consist of a pedicle and lamina from both the left and right sides

Question 6

Intervertebral disc

Answer 6

• Attach the centra (bodies) of adjacent vertebrae together
• Stability and shock absorption
• Cartilage and fibrous tissue

Question 7

Articular Processes (= zygapophyses)

Answer 7

• Synovial articulations that help stabilize the vertebral column
• Cranial articular processes project cranially from the neural arch, and make contact with the caudal articular processes of the cranially adjacent vertebra

Question 8

Intervertebral foramen

Answer 8

• Gap between adjacent pedicles formed by the articulation of vertebrae
• Provides opening for spinal nerves to pass to the body