Anatomy Vertebral Column Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the functions of the vertebral column?

To support weight, protect the spinal cord, serve as an axis and pivot, and aid in posture and movement.

What are the segments of the vertebral column, and how many vertebrae are in each segment?

Cervical = 7, Thoracic = 12, Lumbar = 5, Sacral = 5, Coccygeal = 4

Describe the structure of the vertebral arch.

Formed by pairs of pedicles and laminae, creating a vertebral foramen/canal for the spinal cord, with superior & inferior vertebral notches forming intervertebral foramina.

Describe the different types of vertebral processes.

Spinous process = posterior/inferior, one/vertebra; Transverse process = posterolateral, two/vertebra; Articular process/zygapophysis = four/vertebra (2 superior & 2 inferior). Signup and view all the answers

What special characteristics are found in cervical vertebrae?

Transverse foramina, anterior/posterior tubercles, carotid tubercle, large vertebral foramina, uncinate process. Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for C1, and what special features does it have?

Known as atlas; it articulates with occipital condyles, lacks a body, has anterior/posterior arches, and a groove for vertebral artery. Signup and view all the answers

What is C2 called, and what special features does it have?

Known as axis; it has the dens/odontoid process that articulates with C1 and serves as a pivot point for the skull. Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for C7, and what is special about it?

Known as the vertebra prominens; it has a very long spinous process that can be seen and palpated. Signup and view all the answers

What features are unique to the thoracic vertebrae?

Superior/inferior costal facets, transverse costal facet, long & slender spinous processes. Signup and view all the answers

What features are unique to the lumbar vertebrae?

Accessory process, mamillary process, huge bodies, thick laminae, and short spinous processes. Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about L5?

Largest vertebra and a huge contributor to the lumbrosacral angle. Signup and view all the answers

What features are unique to the sacrum?

Sacral canal, sacral foramina, sacral promontory, median crest, medial crest, lateral crest, sacral hiatus, sacral cornua, auricular surface. Signup and view all the answers

What features are unique to the coccyx?

Variable number of vertebrae, coccygeal horns. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the normal curvatures of the spine are primary? Which are secondary?

Primary: thoracic & sacral; Secondary: cervical and lumbar. Signup and view all the answers

What movements can occur at the vertebral column?

Flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation. Signup and view all the answers

What restricts movements at the vertebral column?

Elasticity of intervertebral discs, orientation of zygapophysial joints, articular capsules, muscles, and ligaments. Signup and view all the answers

Describe vertebral body joints.

Secondary cartilaginous joints that articulate via interposed intervertebral discs and are held together by ligaments. Signup and view all the answers

What are uncovertebral joints?

Joints formed between uncinate processes of C3-C6 and the superjacent vertebral body. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functions of the Vertebral Column

Supports body weight and provides structural stability.
Protects the spinal cord, housing and safeguarding it.
Serves as an axis for rotation and a pivot point for movement.
Aids in maintaining posture and facilitating various movements.

Segments of the Vertebral Column

Composed of 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal vertebrae.

Structure of the Vertebral Arch

Formed by paired pedicles and laminae, creating the vertebral foramen.
Superior and inferior vertebral notches create intervertebral foramina for spinal nerves.

Types of Vertebral Processes

Spinous process: Located posteriorly, single per vertebra.
Transverse process: Located posterolaterally, two per vertebra.
Articular process (zygapophysis): Four per vertebra (two superior and two inferior) where pedicle meets lamina.

Special Characteristics of Cervical Vertebrae

Contain transverse foramina for vertebral arteries.
Feature anterior and posterior tubercles on transverse processes.
Carotid tubercle located on transverse process of C6.
Enlarged vertebral foramina accommodating cervical spinal cord.
Uncinate processes on superior border of vertebral bodies.

C1 (Atlas) Features

Known as the atlas; articulates with occipital condyles of the skull.
Lacks a body; presents with anterior and posterior arches.
Contains a groove for the vertebral artery on its superior surface.

C2 (Axis) Features

Known as the axis; features the dens (odontoid process) for pivoting with C1.

C7 Characteristics

Referred to as the vertebra prominens due to its long spinous process, prominent and palpable.

Unique Features of Thoracic Vertebrae

Possess superior and inferior costal facets for rib articulation.
Feature transverse costal facet for rib tubercle articulation.
Long and slender spinous processes.

Unique Features of Lumbar Vertebrae

Accessory process for muscle attachment on transverse processes.
Mamillary process located between transverse and spinous processes.
Large vertebral bodies, thick laminae, and short spinous processes.

Unique Characteristics of L5

Largest vertebra, providing support for substantial weight.
Contributes significantly to the lumbrosacral angle due to differential height in anterior vs. posterior aspects.

Unique Features of the Sacrum

Contains a sacral canal housing the vertebral canal.
Sacral foramina serve as exit points for nerves.
Features include sacral promontory, median crest, medial crescent, lateral crest, sacral hiatus, and auricular surface for sacroiliac joint articulation.

Unique Features of the Coccyx

Composed of a variable number of vertebrae.
Cinematically features coccygeal horns articulating with sacral horns.

Normal Curvatures of the Spine

Primary curvatures: Thoracic and sacral (present at birth).
Secondary curvatures: Cervical and lumbar (develop as the child gains head control and starts walking).

Movements of the Vertebral Column

Capable of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation.

Restrictions on Vertebral Column Movement

Elasticity of intervertebral (IV) discs acts as a primary restrictor.
Orientation of zygapophysial joints, articular capsules, along with muscles and ligaments contribute to movement limitations.

Vertebral Body Joints

Formed as secondary cartilaginous joints that articulate through intervertebral discs.
IV discs comprise anulus fibrosis (tough outer layer) and nucleus pulposus (gel-like center).

Uncovertebral Joints

Formed between uncinate processes of C3-C6 and the adjacent vertebral body above.

Vertebral Arch Joints (Zygapophyses)

Establish synovial joints allowing for flexibility and motion between vertebrae.

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Test your knowledge on the vertebral column with these flashcards. Explore its functions, segments, and structure through engaging questions that reinforce your understanding of anatomy. Perfect for students looking to enhance their learning experience.