Medical Terminology Chapter 15

Vertebral Column Overview

• Composed of 26 vertebrae arranged in five divisions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx.
• Each region has unique structures but shares common parts.

Intervertebral Disks

• Cartilage pads that separate vertebrae.
• Function to provide flexibility and absorb shocks.

Structure of a Vertebra

• Comprised of a thick, round anterior portion known as the vertebral body.
• Divided into main parts: vertebral arch, spinous process, transverse processes, and lamina.

Vertebral Arch

• The posterior part of the vertebra.
• Contains a spinous process, two transverse processes, and lamina connecting these processes.

Spinous and Transverse Processes

• Spinous process: sharp, slender projection.
• Transverse process: two lateral projections extending from the vertebral arch.

Lamina

• The layer located between transverse and spinous processes.

Neural Canal

• Space between vertebral body and arch that allows the spinal cord to pass through.

Facet Joints

• Connect adjacent vertebrae, guiding and limiting spinal movement.
• Inflammation leads to spinal stenosis and neural canal narrowing.

Spinal Stenosis

• Condition characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in nerve root compression.

Cervical Vertebrae (C1-C7)

• The seven bones forming the neck area of the spine.
• Do not articulate with ribs.

Thoracic Vertebrae (T1-T12)

• Twelve vertebrae that articulate with the twelve pairs of ribs.

Lumbar Vertebrae (L1-L5)

• Comprises five of the largest and strongest vertebrae in the spinal column.
• Like cervical vertebrae, they do not connect with ribs.

Sacral Vertebrae (Sacrum)

• Initially five separate bones that fuse in childhood.
• Adult sacrum is triangular and slightly curved.

Coccyx

• Known as the tailbone; formed from the fusion of four small coccygeal bones.

Spinal Curvatures

• Sacral and thoracic curvatures are present at birth.
• Cervical curvature develops as infants hold their heads up.
• Lumbar curvature develops when infants start to stand and walk.