Questions and Answers
What is the vertebral column composed of?
What are intervertebral disks?
Pads of cartilage that separate the bones of the vertebrae.
What is the main portion of the vertebra called?
Vertebral body
The spinous process is a sharp, slender projection.
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What occurs during spinal disk herniation?
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What is the neural or spinal canal?
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Which vertebrae articulate with the ribs?
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The lumbar vertebrae are the strongest and largest of the vertebrae.
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What is a coccyx?
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When does cervical curvature develop?
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What are the five divisions of the vertebral column?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
Explore the key terms related to the vertebral column and the structure of vertebrae in this informative quiz. Test your knowledge on the divisions of the spinal column and the common structures of individual vertebrae. Perfect for students studying human anatomy or medical terminology.
