Lecture #2 - Spinal Anatomy
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Questions and Answers

How many total vertebrae are present in the human spine?

33

What are the two types of spinal curves and how do they differ?

Primary curves are present at birth, while secondary curves develop after birth.

What percentage of the length of the spinal cord do intervertebral discs account for?

25%

What are the two main parts of an intervertebral disc?

<p>Annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure do the vertebral arteries travel superiorly through?

<p>Transverse foramina</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what vertebral level does the aorta bifurcate into the left and right common iliac arteries?

<p>L4</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the nucleus pulposus in intervertebral discs?

<p>It provides tensile strength and absorbs force.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the orientation of the thoracic zygapophyseal joints?

<p>They orient away from the midline.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of uncovertebral joints in the cervical spine?

<p>They stabilize the cervical spine and allow limited motion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cervical vertebrae typically develop uncovertebral joints?

<p>C3 to C7.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What functions do the anterior and posterior roots of spinal nerves serve?

<p>Anterior roots are motor, while posterior roots are sensory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the C1 nerve root exit relative to the C1 vertebra?

<p>Superior to the arch of the C1 vertebra.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition occurs when L5 is fused to the sacrum?

<p>Sacralization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the inferior articular process of vertebrae face?

<p>Anterolaterally.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What spinal nerves pass through the intervertebral foramen (IVF) inferior to their corresponding vertebrae?

<p>Thoracic and lumbar nerves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify one example of a continuous ligament in the vertebral column.

<p>Anterior longitudinal ligament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ligament connects the tips of the spinous processes in the spine, restricting flexion?

<p>Supraspinous ligament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the spine carries the most load?

<p>L4-5 and L5-S1.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the ligamentum flavum?

<p>It limits hyperflexion of the spine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what vertebral level should the hyoid bone be level with at rest?

<p>C3 vertebral body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the cauda equina related to spinal nerves?

<p>It consists of the nerve roots that extend from the spinal cord.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ligaments are paired in the spinal column?

<p>Intertransverse and iliolumbar ligaments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the nucleus pulposus as a person ages?

<p>It degenerates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the annulus fibrosus provide protection against in intervertebral discs?

<p>It protects the spine by containing the nucleus pulposus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the vertebral column has the cervical zygapophyseal joints oriented towards?

<p>These joints are oriented in an oblique plane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure do the vertebral arteries merge to form at the brainstem?

<p>They merge to form the basilar artery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which specific area of the spine is absent of intervertebral discs?

<p>Intervertebral discs are absent from the C0-C1 region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the spine in relation to functional movement?

<p>It provides mobility for functional movement of the human body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do the jugular veins drain into in the body?

<p>They drain into the brachiocephalic veins behind the clavicle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

During what movements are secondary curves of the spine typically developed?

<p>They develop in response to lifting the head, sitting, and walking.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature aids in the articulation of cervical vertebrae above C3?

<p>Uncinate processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motion do uncovertebral joints primarily assist in limiting?

<p>Excessive movement that could lead to injury.</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which vertebral levels do the L2-4 nerve roots experience pinching?

<p>The same level at the superior-lateral aspect of the disc.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which direction do the superior articular processes of the lumbar vertebrae typically face?

<p>Posteromedial.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ligaments are involved in restricting lateral flexion in the spine?

<p>Intertransverse ligaments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the spinal cord terminate in the vertebral column?

<p>At the cauda equina, located at L1-L2.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ligaments primarily prevent hyperflexion of the spine?

<p>Posterior longitudinal and ligamentum flavum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the anterior root of a spinal nerve?

<p>Motor innervation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify one effect of lumbarization in the lumbar spine.

<p>S1 acts as an extra vertebra.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical position of the hyoid bone at rest?

<p>Level with the C3 vertebral body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area denotes the passage for cervical nerves C2-C7?

<p>Through the intervertebral foramen superior to the corresponding vertebra.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the anatomical connections of the apical ligament.

<p>Attaches the tip of the dens to the anterior margin of the foramen magnum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ligaments are categorized as non-paired ligaments?

<p>Anterior longitudinal, supraspinous, posterior longitudinal, ligamentum nuchae.</p> Signup and view all the answers

To which vertebrae does the C8 nerve root pass?

<p>Through the intervertebral foramen between C7 and T1 vertebrae.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary functions of the spine?

<p>Mobility for functional movement and stability required for vertical support.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three regions of the spine?

<p>Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many intervertebral discs are present in the human spine?

<p>23 intervertebral discs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the weakest part of the annulus fibrosus?

<p>The posterior part is the weakest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the nucleus pulposus in terms of water percentage?

<p>The nucleus pulposus is composed of 70-80% water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what vertebral level do the vertebral arteries re-enter after merging to form the basilar artery?

<p>At the C6 vertebral level.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adjustments in the spine occur as a result of secondary curves developing?

<p>Secondary curves develop due to growth and movement activities, such as lifting the head and walking.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the aorta bifurcate into at the L4 level?

<p>The aorta bifurcates into the left and right common iliac arteries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the uncovertebral joints in the cervical spine?

<p>They provide stability and allow limited motion, while also restricting excessive movement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which cervical vertebrae do uncovertebral joints typically develop?

<p>From C3 to C7.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal nerve root is positioned superior to the arch of the C1 vertebra?

<p>The C1 nerve root.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the specific effect of lumbarization on the vertebral column?

<p>It allows the S1 vertebra to act as an additional lumbar vertebra.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What direction does the inferior articular process face in lumbar vertebrae?

<p>Anterolaterally.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the anterior longitudinal ligament in the spine?

<p>It serves as a primary stabilizer and limits extension.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical significance of the cauda equina?

<p>It consists of bundles of spinal nerves that terminate in the L1-L2 region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which vertebra is typically affected when pinching occurs at the L2-4 nerve roots?

<p>The same level disc is involved.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ligaments are primarily involved in limiting hyperflexion of the spine?

<p>The posterior longitudinal ligament and the ligamentum flavum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two movements do the upper cervical ligaments (e.g., alar ligaments) limit?

<p>They restrict rotation and side flexion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure of the spinal column runs between the vertebral body and neighboring pedicle?

<p>The spinal nerve.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ligaments connect the tips of adjacent spinous processes?

<p>The supraspinous ligament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic orientation of thoracic zygapophyseal joints?

<p>They are oriented in a coronal plane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the spine does the costovertebral joint connect?

<p>It connects ribs to the thoracic vertebrae.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main mobility zones of the spine?

<p>C spine and L spine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What region of the spine is the intervertebral disc absent from?

<p>C0-C1.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the annulus fibrosus within intervertebral discs?

<p>It provides protection against excessive loads and maintains the structure of the disc.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the artery that bifurcates into the left and right common iliac arteries at L4.

<p>Aorta.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the vertebral arteries in relation to the brain?

<p>To supply 10-20% of blood flow to the deep parts of the brain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal curves are classified as primary curves and are present at birth?

<p>Kyphotic curves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the predominant characteristic of the cervical zygapophyseal joints in terms of orientation?

<p>They are oriented in an oblique plane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the nucleus pulposus with age?

<p>It degenerates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of uncovertebral joints in the cervical spine?

<p>They help stabilize the cervical spine and allow limited motion while preventing excessive movement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do the thoracic spinal nerves pass relative to the corresponding vertebrae?

<p>The thoracic nerves pass through the IVF inferior to the corresponding vertebrae.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which areas are innervated by the C8-T4 spinal nerves?

<p>The heart is innervated by C8-T4 spinal nerves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific segment of the spine typically experiences the most load?

<p>The L4-5 and L5-S1 segments carry the most load.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the direction in which the superior articular processes of lumbar vertebrae face.

<p>The superior articular processes face posteromedially.</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what aspect and which intervertebral disc does the L5 nerve root experience pinching?

<p>The L5 nerve root is pinched by the L4 disc at the inferior-lateral aspect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ligament acts as the primary stabilizer from the base of the skull to the sacrum?

<p>The anterior longitudinal ligament serves as the primary stabilizer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the anatomical structures through which the spinal nerves run based on the acronym AAV.

<p>Adjacent pedicle, anterior aspect of the articular process, and vertebral body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific changes occur during sacralization and lumbarization?

<p>Sacralization involves the fusion of L5 to the sacrum, while lumbarization refers to S1 acting as an extra lumbar vertebra.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ligaments are categorized as non-continuous in the spinal column?

<p>Intertransverse, intraspinous, ligamentum flavum, transverse, alar, and apical ligaments are non-continuous.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the anterior root of a spinal nerve differ in function from the posterior root?

<p>The anterior root is responsible for motor functions, while the posterior root handles sensory functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament connects the tips of spinous processes from C7 to the sacrum, and what movement does it restrict?

<p>The supraspinous ligament connects spinous process tips and restricts flexion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structures commonly refer pain to the thoracic spine?

<p>The heart, lungs, and esophagus can refer pain to the thoracic spine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature provides support to the spine and links it to the abdominal structures?

<p>The thoracolumbar fascia provides this support and friction reduction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do interarticular ligaments play in the costovertebral joint?

<p>They divide the costovertebral joint and stabilize it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary sections of the spine responsible for mobility?

<p>C spine and L spine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of intervertebral discs in relation to force?

<p>They absorb force.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the part of the spine that is absent from intervertebral discs.

<p>C0-C1.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the nucleus pulposus is composed of water?

<p>70-80%.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the basilar artery extend from?

<p>The vertebral arteries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which vertebral level do the common iliac arteries bifurcate from the aorta?

<p>L4.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does neovascularization occur in the intervertebral discs?

<p>Vertebral end plate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal region exhibits zygapophyseal joint orientation towards the midline?

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

What is the role of uncovertebral joints in cervical stability?

<p>They stabilize the cervical spine and limit excessive motion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what vertebral levels are the L5 nerve roots typically pinched?

<p>They are pinched by the L4 disc at the inferior-lateral aspect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the superior and inferior articular processes of the lumbar vertebrae orient?

<p>The superior processes face posteromedially, while the inferior processes face anterolaterally.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural condition occurs during sacralization?

<p>The L5 vertebra fuses with the sacrum, acting as a sacral vertebra.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motion is primarily limited by the ligamentum flavum?

<p>It primarily limits hyperflexion of the spine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many ribs and vertebrae should normally be present in a human?

<p>Typically, there should be 12 pairs of ribs and 33 vertebrae.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two divisions of spinal nerves and their functions?

<p>The anterior root is motor, while the posterior root is sensory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which direction do cervical nerves C2-C7 exit?

<p>They exit through the intervertebral foramen superior to their corresponding vertebrae.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation does the posterior longitudinal ligament impose?

<p>It prevents disc herniation and limits hyperflexion of the spine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structures run through the intervertebral foramen (IVF)?

<p>Spinal nerves, nerve roots, and blood vessels pass through the IVF.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical significance of the hyoid bone?

<p>The hyoid bone is suspended by muscles and is level with the C3 vertebral body in rest position.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What directional movement is restricted by the intertransverse ligaments?

<p>They restrict lateral flexion of the spine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the thoracolumbar fascia serve?

<p>It provides support to the spine and abdominal structures, facilitating load transfer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spinal Anatomy

  • Vertebrae: The spine contains 33 vertebrae.
  • Spinal Regions: The spine has three main regions: Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar.
  • Spinal Curves:
    • Primary Curves: Present at birth.
    • Secondary Curves: Develop after birth due to activity like head-lifting, sitting, and walking.
  • Spine Functions: Provides mobility for body movement and stability for torso support.
  • Spine Mobility/Stability Zones:
    • Mobility Zones: Cervical (C) spine and Lumbar (L) spine.
    • Stability Zones: Thoracic (T) spine, Sacral(S) spine, and Pelvis.

Spinal Bones

  • Bony Components: Vertebrae have a body, spinous process, transverse process, lamina, pedicle, superior articular process, and inferior articular process.

Intervertebral Discs

  • Disc Length: Account for 25% of the spinal cord's length.
  • Disc Functions (PAPS): Protect the spine, absorb force, and provide tensile strength.
  • Total Discs: Twenty-three intervertebral discs.
  • Absent Region: Absent from the C0-C1 region.
  • Disc Parts:
    • Annulus Fibrosus: Outer layer; weakest posteriorly.
    • Nucleus Pulposus: Inner core, mostly water (70-80%); degenerates with age; herniation increases AF load.
  • Vertebral End Plate: Part of the disc.
  • Neovascularization: A process involving new blood vessel growth.

Spinal Vasculature

  • Carotid Artery: Splits at C4 into external/internal branches for head/neck.
  • Jugular Veins: Drain into brachiocephalic veins behind the clavicle.
  • Vertebral Arteries: Clinically relevant; travel through transverse foramina, merge to form basilar artery, re-enter at C6.
  • Basilar Artery: Supplies 10-20% of the brain's blood flow, especially the deep parts; extension of vertebral arteries.
  • Aorta: Bifurcates into left and right common iliacs at L4.
  • Vena Cava: Major vein.
  • Common Iliac Artery/Vein: Merge to form the inferior vena cava (IVC).

Spinal Articulations

  • Zygapophyseal/Facet Joints: Covered in hyaline cartilage;
    • Orientation:
      • Cervical: Oblique.
      • Thoracic: Away from midline.
      • Lumbar: Towards midline.
  • Cervical Articulations:
    • Uncovertebral Joints: Small synovial joints, stabilize cervical spine and limit movement.. Found between cervical bodies (C3-C7), between uncinate processes(lateral borders of upper surfaces of cervical vertebral bodies) and vertebrae above.
    • Atlanto-occipital: Joint between the occipital bone and the atlas (C1).
    • Atlanto-axial: Joint between the axis (C2) and the atlas (C1), including the dens.
  • Thoracic Articulations: Costovertebral and costotransverse joints between ribs and thoracic vertebrae.

Spinal Nerves

  • Termination: Spinal cord terminates at cauda equina (L1-L2).
  • Nerve Root Functions:
    • Anterior Roots: Motor.
    • Posterior Roots: Sensory.
  • Nerve Root Passage:
    • Cervical (C1): Superior to C1 arch.
    • Cervical (C2-C7): Through IVF superior to corresponding vertebra.
    • Cervical (C8): IVF between C7 and T1.
    • Thoracic, Lumbar: Through IVF inferior to corresponding vertebra.
    • L2-L4 Nerve Root Pinch: Superior-lateral part of the corresponding disc.
    • L5 Nerve Root Pinch: Inferior-lateral aspect of L4 disc.

Spinal Bony Anatomy

  • Rib/Vertebrae Count: Normal number of ribs and vertebrae.
  • Abnormal Counts: Supernumerary (extra) or subnumerary (less) ribs/vertebrae are possible.
  • Sacralization/Lumbarization: Variations in the fusion of L5 and S1 vertebrae.
  • Hyoid Bone: Anterior; should be level with C3 vertebra at rest.

Spinal Ligaments

  • Continuous Ligaments: Anterior Longitudinal, Supraspinous, Posterior Longitudinal, & Ligamentum Nuchae
  • Non-Continuous Ligaments: Intertransverse, Interspinous, Ligamentum Flavum, Transverse, Alar, Apical, Iliolumbar
  • Paired Ligaments: Intertransverse, Ligamentum Flavum, Iliolumbar
  • Non-Paired Ligaments: Anterior Longitudinal, Interspinous, Supraspinous, Posterior Longitudinal, Transverse, Alar, Apical

Visceral Innervation/Pain Referrals

  • Detailed information on visceral innervation by areas.

Rule of 3s (Spinous Process/Transverse Process Relationship (T1-T12).

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Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the spine, including its vertebrae, regions, and curves. This quiz covers the structure and function of spinal bones, as well as intervertebral discs and their significance. Perfect for students studying anatomy or health sciences.

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