Workbook - Vertebral column and spinal cord Flashcards
How many vertebrae are there in the vertebral column?
33.
How many cervical vertebrae are there?
Seven.
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
Twelve.
How many lumbar vertebrae are there?
Five.
How many sacral vertebrae are there?
Five.
How many coccygeal vertebrae are there?
Four.
-fused into one coccyx
What are the main subdivisions of a typical vertebra? (2)
- Body (anteriorly)
- Vertebral arch (posteriorly)
What are the subdivisions of the vertebral arch? (5)
- Pedicle
- Lamina
- Articular processes (sup & inf)
- Spinous processes
- Transverse processes
What is the function of pedicles?
Attach transverse process to the vertebral body.
What is the function of lamina?
Attach tranverse process to spinous process.
Where are articular processes situated?
Protrude posterior to vertebral notches.
What is the function of spinous and transverse processes?
Attachment of muscles and ligaments.
Which vertebrae are the smallest?
Cervical vertebrae.
What is the distinctive feature of cervical vertebrae?
Transverse foramen.
-smaller in C7
What structures pass through transverse foramen? (3)
- Vertebral arteries and veins
- Sympathetic nerve plexus
What are the spinous processes of C3-6 like?
Short and bifid.
What is the spinous process of C7 like?
Vertebra prominens - very long.
-bony landmark
Which 2 cervical vertebra are atypical?
- C1 (atlas)
- C2 (axis)
What are the main features of C1? (3)
- Lacks vertebral body and spinous processes (ant and post tubercles instead)
- Consists of ant and post tubercles (each with tubercle and lat mass)
- Tubercle on med of lat mass (»transverse ligament to secure dens)
What are the main features of C2? (2)
- 2 sup articular facets (large, flat surfaces which atlas rotates on)
- Dens (odontoid process) from sup vertebral body
What holds the dens in position?
Transverse ligament.
What is the function of the dens?
Prevent horizontal dislocation of the atlas (C1).
What are the distinguishing features of the thoracic vertebrae? (4)
- Long spinous processes (»post/inf)
- Heart-shaped body
- Circular vertebral foramen
- Articulate with ribs
What are the types of facets on thoracic vertebrae for articulation with ribs? (2)
- Costal demi-facets on body (sup/inf)
- Costal facet on transverse process
Which part of the rib do the costal demi-facets articulate with?
Head of ribs (own rib and rib below).
Which part of the rib do the costal facets articulate with?
Tubercle of rib.
What are the distinguishing features of the lumbar vertebrae?
- Large body/size
- Long, thin transverse processes (except L5)
- Cylindrical body and triangular foramen
- Short, sturdy spinous processes
How is the transverse process of L5 different?
Cone-shaped for iliolumbar ligaments»_space; pelvic bones.
Which 2 spinal regions consist of fused vertebrae?
- Sacral
- Coccygeal
What structures hold vertebrae together? (3)
- Facet joints
- Intervertebral discs
- Ligaments