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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the lumbar vertebrae?
What is the primary function of the lumbar vertebrae?
What is the shape of the body of the fifth lumbar segment?
What is the shape of the body of the fifth lumbar segment?
What is formed by the fusion of the five sacral vertebral segments?
What is formed by the fusion of the five sacral vertebral segments?
What is located at each side of the sacral base?
What is located at each side of the sacral base?
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What is the function of the pelvic sacral foramina?
What is the function of the pelvic sacral foramina?
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How does the shape of the sacrum differ between males and females?
How does the shape of the sacrum differ between males and females?
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What is the typical number of rudimentary vertebrae that fuse to form the coccyx?
What is the typical number of rudimentary vertebrae that fuse to form the coccyx?
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What is the benefit of the curvature of the vertebral column?
What is the benefit of the curvature of the vertebral column?
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What are the two types of curvature classified in adults?
What are the two types of curvature classified in adults?
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What is an abnormal alignment or curve in the bony vertebral column?
What is an abnormal alignment or curve in the bony vertebral column?
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Study Notes
Axial Skeleton
- The vertebral column, or spine, forms the central axis of the skeleton and extends from the base of the skull to the tip of the coccyx.
- The vertebral column has three main functions: protection, support, and movement.
- It provides attachment for the deep muscles of the back and ribs laterally.
Vertebral Column
- The vertebral column consists of approximately 33 bones called vertebrae, separated by intervertebral discs.
- The vertebrae are divided into five groups: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.
- There are 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, 5 sacral vertebrae, and 3-5 coccygeal vertebrae.
General Structure of a Vertebra
- A typical vertebra is composed of two main parts: an anterior mass of bone called the body and a posterior ring-like portion called the vertebral arch.
- The vertebral body forms the anterior part of each vertebra and is the weight-bearing component.
- The vertebral arch forms the lateral and posterior aspect of each vertebra and, in combination with the vertebral body, forms an enclosed hole called the vertebral foramen.
Vertebral Body
- The size of the vertebral body increases as one descends down the vertebral column.
- Adjacent vertebral bodies are separated by intervertebral discs, which are filled with a gelatinous substance called the nucleus pulposus.
Vertebral Arch
- The vertebral arch has several bony prominences that act as attachment sites for muscles and ligaments.
- The bony prominences include transverse processes, pedicles, lamina, articular processes, and spinous processes.
Cervical Vertebrae
- Cervical vertebrae have three main distinguishing features: bifid spinous process, transverse foramina, and triangular vertebral foramen.
- The first two cervical vertebrae (C1 and C2) are unique to allow for the movement of the head.
- The atlas (C1) is a ring-like structure with no body and a very short spinous process.
- The axis (C2) has a strong conical process called the dens or odontoid process.
Thoracic Vertebrae
- The body of the thoracic vertebrae increases in size from the first to the twelfth vertebrae.
- The thoracic vertebrae have costal facets for articulation with the shaft of the ribs.
- They have two demi facets, superiorly and inferiorly placed on either side of their vertebral body, which articulate with the heads of two different ribs.
Lumbar Vertebrae
- Lumbar vertebrae have very large vertebral bodies that are kidney-shaped.
- They are the largest and sturdiest examples of all vertebrae due to their role in supporting the weight of the upper body.
- The body of the fifth lumbar segment is considerably deeper in front than behind, which gives it a wedge shape.
Sacrum
- The sacrum is formed by the fusion of the five sacral vertebral segments into a curved triangular bone.
- The sacrum is wedged between the iliac bones of the pelvis.
- At each side of the sacral base is a large wing-like lateral mass called the ala.
- The anterior and posterior walls of the sacral canal are perforated by four pairs of pelvic sacral foramina.
Coccyx
- The coccyx is composed of three to five (usually four) rudimentary vertebrae that have a tendency to fuse into one bone in adults.
Vertebral Curvature
- The curvature of the vertebral column increases its strength, flexibility, and ability to absorb shock.
- Adult curvature is classified as primary and secondary curvature.
- Primary curvature includes the thoracic curve and the sacrococcygeal curve.
- Secondary curvature includes the cervical curve and the lumbar curve.
Spinal Deformity
- An abnormal alignment or curve in the bony vertebral column that forms the spine.
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Description
Explore the vertebral column, its functions, and composition in the axial skeleton. Learn about the vertebrae and intervertebral discs that make up the spine.
