W1 - The Vertebral Column Flashcards
What are the 4 regions of the spine
Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
Sacrum
How many vertebrae does each region of the spine have
Cervical = 7
Thoracic = 12
Lumbar = 5
Sacrum = 5
Coccyx = 3-4 (fused)
What spinal curve does the cervical spinal region have
Cervical lordosis = convex anteriorly
What spinal curve does the thoracic region have
Thoracic kyphosis = concaves anteriorly
What spinal curve does the lumbar region have
Lumbar lordosis = convex anteriorly
What spinal curve does the sacrum/coccyx region have
Sacrum/coccyx kyphosis = concave anteriorly
What clinical relevance do spinal curves have
People with osteoporosis can get wedged fractures in their thoracic vertebral column which narrows the anterior part of the vertical body
This results in an increase kyphosis causing them to have very hunched backs
You can also have increase or decreased kyphosis or lordosis too
What is scoliosis?
A lateral curvature with a rotational component
Severe cases are operated on
What does the line of gravity pass through in a normal standard posture?
It passes through the:
Earlobe
Dense of the axis
Cervical vertebral body
Shoulder joint
Lumber vertebral bodies
Slightly posterior to the hip joint
Greater trochanter
Slightly anterior to the knee and ankle joints
What is the function of the spine?
- To support the thoracic cage for the lungs to respire
- Allows muscle attachments for the pelvic, shoulder girdle, spinal muscles, upper limb and lower limb attachments
- Protects the spinal cord
- Shock absorption due to vertebral bodies, muscles, curves and intervertebral discs
- Produces and controls movement
What two parts is a vertebrae split up into?
Anteriorly = vertebral body
Posteriorly = vertebral arch
What is the vertebral arch made up of?
Pedicles and lamina
How many processes do each vertebrae have and what are they called?
Each vertebrae has seven processes called:
- articular = x4
- transverse = x2
- spinous = x1
What is the function of the articular processes?
They articulate with the adjacent vertebrae
Transmit weight
Enable movement
And limit movement in some directions
What is the function of the transverse processes?
They are attachment sites for muscles and ligaments
Produce a rotation or side flexion of the spine
What is the function of the spinal processes?
They are attachment sites for muscles and ligaments and they’re involved in extension of the spine
Explain what vertebrae stack is
When two vertebrae are stacked on top of one another via the intervertebral joints which have vertical discs in between them
Your faucet joint joins the superior and inferior articular processes together
What structure of the vertebrae allows the spinal cord to pass through it?
Vertebrae foramen
What structure of the vertebrae allows the spinal nerves to pass through?
Intervertebral foramen (the gap between the adjacent vertebral arches)
Name some differences about the cervical vertebrae compared to the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae
- Transverse foramen (ONLY CERVICAL)
- smaller rectangular body with a larger vertebral foramen
- Bifid spinous processes
- Particular facets orientated horizontally towards the eyes
- Lipping of vertebral body superiorly (uncinate process)
Name some differences about the thoracic bird compared to the other two
- Rounded body and long slanted spines processes.
- Faucet joints orientated vertically.
- Demifacets on the vertebral body (articulate with half of the head of the ribs)
- X2 facets on transverse processes
Name some differences about the lumber vertebra compared to the other two
- Large wide body as it takes most of the weight.
- Broad and short laminae and pedicles
- Quadrangular spinous processes
- Mammillary processes
- Wrapped articular facets
- Long & thin transverse processes
Describe the sacrum
Five fused vertebrae
Base articulates with L5
Sacral promontory
Superior articular process and an Apex
Sacral canal and Foramina
Concave anteriorly
Spinous tubercles
Describe the coccyx
3-4 rudimentary vertebrae
Directed inferiority and anteriorly
Decreases in size
Small triangular in shape
Small discs connect in the sacrum to the coccyx
