Wk 3 -

Question 1

What are the names of the joints of the vertebral column?

Answer 1

Intervertebral joints

Question 2

What type of joints are intervertebral joints?

Answer 2

Cartilaginous symphysis

- amphiarthrosis

Question 3

Where does the vertebral disc attach?

Answer 3

The vertebral end plates

Question 4

What is the function of intervertebral discs?

Answer 4

1. Shock absorption
2. Distribute load evenly
3. Resist shear forces
4. Provide the axis of movement

Question 5

What is the outer and inner layer of the intervertebral disc called?

Answer 5

Outer - annulus fibrosus

Inner - nucleus pulposus

Question 6

What is the annulus fibrosus made of?

Answer 6

Fibrocartilage
10-20 concentric layers of collagen fibres
Lamellated structures

Question 7

What is the nucleus pulposus made of?

Answer 7

70-90% water
Large, branching proteoglycans
Elastin
Type 2 collagen
Notochordal cells

Question 8

What is the name of the joint between articulations processes? (SAP and IAP)

Answer 8

Facet joints

Question 9

What type of joints are facet joints?

Answer 9

Synovial joints

Question 10

What are the qualities of facet joints?

Answer 10

Weight bearing joints (thoracic and lumbar)
Highly innervated (specialised to detect pain - nociceptors)

Question 11

What is the difference between the movements of facet joints between cervical and thoracic regions?

Answer 11

Cervical - transverse orientation = rotation

Thoracic/lumbar - sagittal orientation = flex/extension