Podcast
Questions and Answers
The nucleus pulposus is a hard, bony material found in intervertebral discs.
The nucleus pulposus is a hard, bony material found in intervertebral discs.
False
A slipped disc refers to a tear in the annulus fibrosus that allows the nucleus pulposus to bulge out.
A slipped disc refers to a tear in the annulus fibrosus that allows the nucleus pulposus to bulge out.
True
Osteogenesis imperfecta is characterized by excessive deposition of bone tissue due to collagen mutation.
Osteogenesis imperfecta is characterized by excessive deposition of bone tissue due to collagen mutation.
False
Elderly individuals can lose up to 1.8 cm in height due to disc dehydration.
Elderly individuals can lose up to 1.8 cm in height due to disc dehydration.
Signup and view all the answers
The adult vertebral column has five primary curves.
The adult vertebral column has five primary curves.
Signup and view all the answers
The human skull is composed of 14 bones in the neurocranium.
The human skull is composed of 14 bones in the neurocranium.
Signup and view all the answers
A diastatic fracture involves the separation of cranial sutures.
A diastatic fracture involves the separation of cranial sutures.
Signup and view all the answers
Sutures in the adult skull are composed of cartilaginous tissue.
Sutures in the adult skull are composed of cartilaginous tissue.
Signup and view all the answers
Plagiocephaly is a condition associated with ossified sutures.
Plagiocephaly is a condition associated with ossified sutures.
Signup and view all the answers
The mandible is classified as one of the bones in the viscerocranium.
The mandible is classified as one of the bones in the viscerocranium.
Signup and view all the answers
The lacrimal bone is located in the posterior part of the skull.
The lacrimal bone is located in the posterior part of the skull.
Signup and view all the answers
Synostosis refers to the continuous growth of bone margins in sutures.
Synostosis refers to the continuous growth of bone margins in sutures.
Signup and view all the answers
The frontal bone is part of the viscerocranium.
The frontal bone is part of the viscerocranium.
Signup and view all the answers
The lumbar vertebrae are characterized by a convex, kidney-shaped body.
The lumbar vertebrae are characterized by a convex, kidney-shaped body.
Signup and view all the answers
The sacrum is formed by the fusion of five vertebrae.
The sacrum is formed by the fusion of five vertebrae.
Signup and view all the answers
Coccydynia refers to pain in the lumbar region.
Coccydynia refers to pain in the lumbar region.
Signup and view all the answers
Some individuals may have up to six lumbar vertebrae.
Some individuals may have up to six lumbar vertebrae.
Signup and view all the answers
The coccyx, also known as the tailbone, consists of four fused terminal bones.
The coccyx, also known as the tailbone, consists of four fused terminal bones.
Signup and view all the answers
The costovertebral joint includes articulation between ribs and the lumbar vertebrae.
The costovertebral joint includes articulation between ribs and the lumbar vertebrae.
Signup and view all the answers
The sacrococcygeal joint connects the sacrum to the coccyx.
The sacrococcygeal joint connects the sacrum to the coccyx.
Signup and view all the answers
The short and sturdy spinous processes of lumbar vertebrae overlap.
The short and sturdy spinous processes of lumbar vertebrae overlap.
Signup and view all the answers
The sacrum articulates superiorly with the thoracic vertebrae.
The sacrum articulates superiorly with the thoracic vertebrae.
Signup and view all the answers
The lumbar vertebrae are the largest vertebrae in the human body.
The lumbar vertebrae are the largest vertebrae in the human body.
Signup and view all the answers
The Atlas (C1) has a body and a spinous process.
The Atlas (C1) has a body and a spinous process.
Signup and view all the answers
The strongest cervical vertebra is considered to be the Axis (C2).
The strongest cervical vertebra is considered to be the Axis (C2).
Signup and view all the answers
The thoracic vertebrae have a descending size pattern from T1 to T12.
The thoracic vertebrae have a descending size pattern from T1 to T12.
Signup and view all the answers
The foramen of cervical vertebrae is typically heart-shaped.
The foramen of cervical vertebrae is typically heart-shaped.
Signup and view all the answers
The costovertebral joint connects ribs with the bodies of lumbar vertebrae.
The costovertebral joint connects ribs with the bodies of lumbar vertebrae.
Signup and view all the answers
The transverse processes of the Atlas are positioned more laterally than those of other vertebrae.
The transverse processes of the Atlas are positioned more laterally than those of other vertebrae.
Signup and view all the answers
The odontoid process, or dens, is a feature of the Atlas (C1).
The odontoid process, or dens, is a feature of the Atlas (C1).
Signup and view all the answers
The thoracic vertebrae allow for the greatest degree of lateral flexion among spinal regions.
The thoracic vertebrae allow for the greatest degree of lateral flexion among spinal regions.
Signup and view all the answers
The superior articular facets of the Axis allow for side-to-side head movements.
The superior articular facets of the Axis allow for side-to-side head movements.
Signup and view all the answers
The radiate ligament strengthens the connection between the rib heads and the thoracic vertebrae.
The radiate ligament strengthens the connection between the rib heads and the thoracic vertebrae.
Signup and view all the answers
The axial skeleton consists of 30 vertebrae in adults.
The axial skeleton consists of 30 vertebrae in adults.
Signup and view all the answers
Fractures in the cervical region above C4 can lead to paralysis of the diaphragm.
Fractures in the cervical region above C4 can lead to paralysis of the diaphragm.
Signup and view all the answers
The transverse processes of a vertebra are primarily involved in weight bearing.
The transverse processes of a vertebra are primarily involved in weight bearing.
Signup and view all the answers
The coccyx is composed of five separate vertebrae in all adults.
The coccyx is composed of five separate vertebrae in all adults.
Signup and view all the answers
The vertebral foramen is triangular in shape in cervical vertebrae.
The vertebral foramen is triangular in shape in cervical vertebrae.
Signup and view all the answers
Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition that inflates the vertebral body.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition that inflates the vertebral body.
Signup and view all the answers
The largest vertebra is located at the cervical region.
The largest vertebra is located at the cervical region.
Signup and view all the answers
The thoracic region of the spine is primarily responsible for sensory and motor loss in lower extremities.
The thoracic region of the spine is primarily responsible for sensory and motor loss in lower extremities.
Signup and view all the answers
C1 and C2 vertebrae are specialized for head movement.
C1 and C2 vertebrae are specialized for head movement.
Signup and view all the answers
The spinous process of a typical vertebra can be felt through the skin.
The spinous process of a typical vertebra can be felt through the skin.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Skull
- The skull is composed of 22 bones
- 8 bones form the neurocranium (braincase)
- 14 bones form the viscerocranium (face)
- Sutures connect the bones of the skull
- Sutures are fibrous joints
- In newborns, sutures are referred to as fontanelles
- Sutures can ossify, a process known as synostosis
- Skull fractures are classified into four major types
- Linear fractures are cracks along the bone
- Depressed fractures occur when bone is pushed inwards
- Diastatic fractures involve separation of sutures
- Basilar fractures involve the base of the skull
- Compound fractures involve lacerations of all layers
Vertebral Column
- The vertebrae are the bones that form the vertebral column
- 33 vertebrae make up the vertebral column
- The vertebrae are divided into five regions
- Cervical (C1-C7) - neck
- Thoracic (T1-T12) - upper back
- Lumbar (L1-L5) - lower back
- Sacrum - five fused vertebrae
- Coccyx (tailbone) - three to five fused vertebrae
- The vertebral column functions to bear weight, support the head, enable bodily movement, provide attachment points for ribs and protect vital structures within the vertebral canal, such as the spinal cord, descending aorta, vena cavae, thoracic duct, and esophagus.
- The vertebral column also helps maintain posture.
- The vertebral column has four curves:
- Two primary curvatures: thoracic and sacral
- Two secondary curvatures: cervical and lumbar
- Each vertebrae has several features:
- Vertebral body: for supporting body weight
- Vertebral arch: encloses the vertebral foramen, which contains the spinal cord
- Pedicles: lateral walls of the vertebral arch
- Laminae: posterior walls of the vertebral arch
- Vertebral processes: for attaching muscles and ligaments
- Transverse processes (2) - for muscle attachment and movement
- Spinous process (1) - can be felt through the skin
- Articular processes (4) - for restricting movement
Cervical Vertebrae
- The smallest vertebrae in the vertebral column
- Have the greatest range and variety of movement
- The vertebral body is short and square, concave superiorly and convex inferiorly
- The vertebral foramen is triangular in shape
- The spinous process is short and bifid (except for C7)
- C1 and C2 are specialized for skull articulation
- The atlas (C1) is atypical, having no body or spinous process
- Has a ring of bone on which the skull rests, consisting of paired lateral masses that articulate with the occipital condyles.
- It is the widest vertebrae, providing increased leverage for attached muscles
- The axis (C2) forms the pivot for side-to-side movement of the head
- It has a strong odontoid process (dens) that serves as the pivot
- The dens is held in place by the transverse ligament
Thoracic Vertebrae
- Provide attachment for ribs
- Greater degree of rotation due to the orientation of their articular facets
- Larger than cervical, to support more body weight
- Vertebral bodies are heart shaped, with circular foramina
- The spinous processes overlap
- Facets on the vertebral bodies and transverse processes articulate with ribs
Lumbar Vertebrae
- Largest vertebrae
- Concave, kidney-shaped bodies
- Short, sturdy spinous process that do not overlap
- Some individuals have four or six lumbar vertebrae
Sacrum
- Five fused vertebrae
- Wedge-shaped with a concave anterior surface
- Articulates with L5, the ilium (at the sacroiliac joint), and the coccyx
- The promontory protrudes into the pelvic cavity
- Has foramina for the passage of nerves
Coccyx
- Four fused terminal bones
- Provides attachment for muscles and ligaments
- Stabilises the sitting person
- Coccydynia refers to pain in the coccygeal region
Intervertebral Discs
- Separate adjacent vertebrae
- Thinnest in the cervical region, progressively thicker towards lumbar
- Act as shock absorbers and provide flexibility to the vertebral column
- Composed of a nucleus pulposus (soft, pulpy, yellowish elastic material) surrounded by an annulus fibrosus (concentric ring of fibrous tissue and fibrocartilage)
- "Slipped disc" is a misnomer - It refers to a tear in the annulus fibrosus, allowing the nucleus pulposus to bulge out
- Disc dehydration contributes to height loss over time
Thoracic Cage
- Formed by the thoracic vertebrae, ribs, and sternum
- Protects the heart and lungs
- Supports the shoulder girdle
- Provides attachment for muscles of respiration, the back, chest, and upper limbs.
Appendicular Skeleton
- Composed of the bones of the limbs and their girdles
- The upper limb consists of the shoulder girdle (scapula and clavicle), arm, forearm, wrist, and hand
- The lower limb consists of the pelvic girdle (hip bones), thigh, leg, ankle and foot.
Fracture Repair
- Fracture repair involves several stages:
- Hematoma formation: A blood clot forms at the fracture site
- Soft callus formation: New blood vessels form and fibroblast and chondroblasts produce cartilage
- Hard callus formation: Osteoblasts produce bony callus
- Remodelling: The callus is remodelled into bone tissue
- Excess callus is removed over time
Common Problems
- Osteomalacia and Rickets: Mineralization of bone matrix is poor due to vitamin D deficiency
- Bony spurs: Abnormal projections on bone caused by overgrowth
- Osteoporosis: Decreased bone density due to faster resorption than deposition
- Osteogenesis imperfecta: Brittle bone due to a mutation in the collagen gene
- Paget's disease: Excessive bone deposition and resorption leading to malformation of bone tissue
- Osteomyelitis: Infection of bone
- Avascular necrosis: Bone death due to loss of blood supply
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the skull and vertebral column. This quiz covers the types of bones, fractures, and regions of the vertebral column. Perfect for students studying human anatomy and physiology.
