Lumbar Vertebrae and Sacrum Anatomy
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of intervertebral discs?

  • Facilitate vertebral movement
  • Act as shock absorbers for the spine (correct)
  • Anchor muscles to the vertebrae
  • Support the spine's structure
  • Which feature is characteristic of lumbar vertebrae?

  • Thin and elongated body
  • Lack of flexibility
  • Transverse foramina present
  • Short and thick spinous process (correct)
  • What does the sacrum protect?

  • Muscles in the lower back
  • Lungs and heart
  • Reproductive, excretory, and digestive organs (correct)
  • Spinal cord and nerves
  • At what age do the sacral vertebrae begin the process of fusion?

    <p>16-18 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary consequence of the dehydration of the nucleus pulposus in intervertebral discs?

    <p>Decreased ability to absorb shock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for shrinking as one ages?

    <p>Reduction of intervertebral disc height</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes a slipped disc?

    <p>The outer case of the disc splits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is defined by the inflammation of the spine?

    <p>Ankylosing spondylitis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of vertebrae allows for significant flexion and moderate lateral flexion?

    <p>Lumbar vertebrae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structure forms a fibrocartilaginous joint between adjacent vertebrae?

    <p>Intervertebral disc</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what age range does osteoarthritis typically onset?

    <p>20-40 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of curvature is characterized by a significant inward curve at the lower back?

    <p>Lordosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is unique about cervical vertebrae compared to other types?

    <p>They have transverse foramina.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is associated with the formation of crystals of sodium urate in joints?

    <p>Gout</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major consequence of osteoporosis?

    <p>Weakened bones leading to fractures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Scoliosis is primarily characterized by which type of spinal curvature?

    <p>Sideways curve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the intervertebral discs?

    <p>To absorb shock and provide cushioning between vertebrae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of vertebrae is located in the lower back?

    <p>Lumbar vertebrae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the age-related changes observed in the intervertebral discs?

    <p>Decreased elasticity and height</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following characteristics is NOT typical of thoracic vertebrae?

    <p>More mobility than cervical vertebrae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do cervical vertebrae differ primarily from other types of vertebrae?

    <p>They have a smaller body size and unique transverse foramen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a unique feature of lumbar vertebrae compared to thoracic and cervical vertebrae?

    <p>Large, robust body shape for weight support</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs to the cervical vertebrae as a result of age-related changes?

    <p>Thinning of intervertebral discs, leading to potential nerve compression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for the development of articular cartilage in the epiphyseal plate during ossification?

    <p>To facilitate bone lengthening during growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Lumbar Vertebrae

    • Lumbar vertebrae increase in size toward the lumbar section to support weight.
    • Vertebral body is large, thick, and oval-shaped for weight bearing.
    • Spinous process is short and thick, facilitating movement.
    • Allows significant flexion, extension, and moderate lateral flexion.

    Sacrum and Coccyx

    • Sacrum consists of one bone formed from five fused sacral vertebrae by ages 16-18.
    • Provides an attachment site for thigh movement muscles.
    • Protects reproductive, excretory, and digestive organs.
    • Anchors the pelvic girdle to the axial skeleton.
    • Sacral foramen are openings allowing sacral nerves to pass through.
    • Coccyx formed from three to five small or incomplete vertebrae.

    Intervertebral Discs

    • Positioned between adjacent vertebrae, forming fibrocartilaginous joints.
    • Allow slight vertebral movement and act as ligaments connecting vertebrae.
    • Function as shock absorbers for the spine.
    • Composed of a fibrous outer ring surrounding a gel-like substance of collagens I and II.

    Aging and Height Reduction

    • Intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers; dehydration of the nucleus pulposus occurs with age.
    • Decreased disc hydration reduces shock absorption capability.
    • Height loss with age, evidenced by individuals shrinking over the years (e.g., 5ft 4” to 5ft 1”).

    Slipped/Herniated Discs

    • Occurs when the outer layer of the disc splits, causing gel to bulge out.
    • Can exert pressure on the spinal cord or a single nerve root, leading to pain in affected areas.

    Diseases of the Skeletal System

    • Arthritis, mainly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, involves cartilage erosion, leading to joint pain.
    • Osteoarthritis has a later age onset, often unilateral; rheumatoid is typically symmetrical.
    • Gout involves sodium urate crystals forming in and around joints.
    • Osteoporosis causes loss of bone density, making bones fragile.
    • Rickets results from Vitamin D deficiency, leading to soft and weak bones.
    • Ankylosing spondylitis involves spine inflammation.
    • Scoliosis involves a sideways curvature of the spine.

    Curvature Disorders of the Spine

    • Lordosis (swayback): Inward curvature at the lower back.
    • Kyphosis: Rounded upper back with abnormal curvature (beyond 50 degrees).
    • Scoliosis: Sideways spinal curvature.

    Bone Development Processes

    Intramembranous Ossification

    • Begins with mesenchymal cells differentiating into osteoblasts at ossification centers.
    • Osteoid is formed, which calcifies and leads to osteocytes.
    • Trabeculae form and fuse, creating spongy bone with blood vessels and red marrow.
    • Mesenchyme condenses to form the periosteum; compact bone eventually replaces surface spongy bone.

    Endochondral Ossification

    • Starts with chondroblasts forming a cartilage model.
    • Cartilage model grows, chondrocytes calcify, and cavities form as blood vessels enter.
    • Osteoblasts invade the primary ossification center in the diaphysis, calcifying the cartilage.
    • Medullary cavity develops as osteoclasts break down trabecular bone.
    • Secondary ossification centers appear at birth, with ossification proceeding outward.
    • Articular cartilage and epiphyseal plates form, allowing lengthwise growth of the bone.

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    Skeletal System 2024.pptx

    Description

    This quiz covers the anatomy of the lumbar vertebrae, sacrum, and coccyx, highlighting their functions and structural features. It also explores the role of intervertebral discs in the spine's movement and support. Test your knowledge of these crucial components of the human skeletal system.

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