Vertebral Joints

Question 1

What ligaments are found around and within the vertebral column going from anterior to posterior? Are they considered strong or weak supporting ligaments?

Answer 1

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament - strong
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament - weak, but gives extra protection to the posterior and lateral annulus fibrosus
Ligamenta Flava - strong
Intertransverse Ligament - restricts rotation and side flexion; more numerous in thoracic region
Interspinous Ligament - weak
Supraspinous Ligament - strong
Nuchal Ligament - strong; also acts as attachment point for muscles

Question 2

What type of joints are between the vertebral bodies?

Answer 2

Symphysis (cartilagenous category)

Question 3

Where are the gliding (synovial) joints located in the vertebral column?

Answer 3

Joints located on vertebral arch/posterior intervertebral joints
Zygopophyseal joint (connection of articular processes on vertebrae)
Facet joints