WEEK 8: The Back

Question 1

what are the functions of the vertebral column

Answer 1

• forms the framework of the axial skeleton
• support and weight transmission
• protection of the spinal cord
• muscle attachment
• blood cell formation
• calcium storage

Question 2

Label the body, vertebral arch, vertebral foreamen, protuberances, facets and processes in the diagram of a vertebrae

Answer 2

…

Question 3

where is the spinal cord located

Answer 3

in the vertebral canal, which is many vertebral foramen

Question 4

Do spinal nerves run above or below their corresponding vertebrae?

Answer 4

Lumbar and Thoracic: Below
Cervical: Above
Sacral: Through, and branch out anteriorly and posteriorly

Question 5

What are pedicles and what is their function

Answer 5

The pedicles forming part of the vertebral arch have notches on both the superior and inferior side of a single vertebrae.
When successive vertebrae are lined up the superior and inferior notches on the adjacent pedicles of two successive vertebrae form the intervertebral foramen which allows for the spinal nerves coming from the spinal cord to pass through

Question 6

Explain what Intervertebral disks are

Answer 6

• Secondary cartilaginous joint
• Limits the range of movement that is possible at each vertebral segment
• Joins one vertebrae to another
• Act as shock absorbers during running, walking and jumping

Question 7

What are facets and what is their function

Answer 7

• Facet joints are formed by the articulation of the smooth surfaces or facets of inferior and superior articular processes
• Facet joints are histologically classified as synovial joints that permit free movement because the facets are covered with hyaline cartilage
• Despite being synovial joints, the direction of movement of facet joints is limited by the structure of the facets forming the joint

Question 8

What is the structure and function of a ligament

Answer 8

Structure:
Dense fibrous connective tissue
Major fibre type is collagen which is an inelastic fibre
Function:
 Attach bone to bone and typically cross a joint
 Limit joint movements
 Allow certain joint movements

Question 9

Describe the Anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 9

This is a ligament located anteriorly to the vertebral column which runs from the base of the skull to the sacrum. This limits extension

Question 10

Describe the Supraspinous longitudinal ligament

Answer 10

This is a ligament that attaches to the tips of each spinous process. This limits flexion

Question 11

what is the difference between lateral flexion and normal flexion of the vertebrae

Answer 11

normal flexion occurs in the sagital plane while lateral flexion occurs on the coronal plane

Question 12

why do the bodys of each vertebrae increase when moving down (except for moving down sacrum)

Answer 12

This is because lower in the spinal cord the body needs to bear more weight thus having a larger body.

Question 13

Describe the differences in spinous process in each type of vertebrae

Answer 13

Cervical spinous process:
 Bifid (two tips)
 Bifid process allows for more muscle and ligament attachments
Thoracic spinous process:
 Long and projects inferiorly
 This limits extension of the vertebral column at the thoracic region
Lumbar spinous process:
 Large and hatchet shaped
 This large surface areas allows for the attachment of large muscles that cause movement
at the thoracic/lumbar region of the vertebral column
Sacrum spinous process:
 Spinous processes are fused because there is no movement of individual vertebrae

Question 14

Describe the differences in transverse process in each type of vertebrae

Answer 14

Cervical transverse process
 Has a hole called the transverse foramen
 The transverse foramen allows for passage for the vertebral
artery
 Projects laterally
Thoracic transverse process:
 Project posteriorly
 Facets located on the thoracic transverse process are for articulation
with ribs
 Ribs articulate on each side of a thoracic vertebrae at facets
Lumbar transverse process:
 Projects laterally in a coronal plane and are long and skinny
 Provide attachments for larger muscles in the lumbar region
Sacral transverse process:
 The fusion of the sacrum transverse processes allows a facet to be formed rather than a process for muscle attachments
 This facet allows for articulation with the hip bone of the pelvis

Question 15

which vertebrae are the Atlas and Axis

Answer 15

C1: Atlas
C2: Axis

Question 16

What is the difference between primary and secondary curvatures?

Answer 16

primary curvatures are present from birth and secondary curvatures develop over the lifetime.
Primary curvatures curve concave anteriorly
Secondary curvatures curve convex anteriorly

Question 17

Describe how curvatures develop over the lifespan

Answer 17

Fetus: one curvature, primary
Newborn: Slight secondary curvature in lumbar spine
Four Years: curvatures similar to adult but not as strong
Adult: Secondary curvatures in lumbar and cervical spine that aids upright posture