Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of curve does the cervical region of the vertebral column exhibit?
What type of curve does the cervical region of the vertebral column exhibit?
How many vertebrae are typically found in the thoracic region of the vertebral column?
How many vertebrae are typically found in the thoracic region of the vertebral column?
What does the tough, circular exterior of an intervertebral disc consist of?
What does the tough, circular exterior of an intervertebral disc consist of?
Which of the following correctly lists the curvature types of the lumbar and sacral regions?
Which of the following correctly lists the curvature types of the lumbar and sacral regions?
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Which of these conditions represents an abnormal curvature of the spine?
Which of these conditions represents an abnormal curvature of the spine?
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Which part of a typical vertebra serves as the primary weight-bearing structure?
Which part of a typical vertebra serves as the primary weight-bearing structure?
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What part of the vertebra allows for the passage of the spinal cord?
What part of the vertebra allows for the passage of the spinal cord?
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How many coccygeal vertebrae are typically present in humans?
How many coccygeal vertebrae are typically present in humans?
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Which characteristic is unique to the C1 vertebra (Atlas)?
Which characteristic is unique to the C1 vertebra (Atlas)?
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What is the primary function of the dens on the C2 vertebra (Axis)?
What is the primary function of the dens on the C2 vertebra (Axis)?
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Which of the following features is NOT found in typical cervical vertebrae (C3 – C7)?
Which of the following features is NOT found in typical cervical vertebrae (C3 – C7)?
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Which vertebra is characterized as the pivot point for head rotation due to its unique projection?
Which vertebra is characterized as the pivot point for head rotation due to its unique projection?
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Which statement accurately describes thoracic vertebrae?
Which statement accurately describes thoracic vertebrae?
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What allows flexion and extension of the neck predominantly?
What allows flexion and extension of the neck predominantly?
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Which of the following cervical vertebrae has a bifurcated spinous process?
Which of the following cervical vertebrae has a bifurcated spinous process?
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Which characteristic distinguishes the thoracic vertebrae from the lumbar vertebrae?
Which characteristic distinguishes the thoracic vertebrae from the lumbar vertebrae?
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Which features differentiate atypical cervical vertebrae from typical cervical vertebrae?
Which features differentiate atypical cervical vertebrae from typical cervical vertebrae?
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What limitation is present in the thoracic vertebrae in terms of movement?
What limitation is present in the thoracic vertebrae in terms of movement?
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What is a defining feature of the lumbar vertebrae?
What is a defining feature of the lumbar vertebrae?
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How do the superior articular facets of lumbar vertebrae differ from those of thoracic vertebrae?
How do the superior articular facets of lumbar vertebrae differ from those of thoracic vertebrae?
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What structural adaptation do the sacral vertebrae display?
What structural adaptation do the sacral vertebrae display?
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In which way do the lumbar vertebrae facilitate muscular attachment?
In which way do the lumbar vertebrae facilitate muscular attachment?
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Which statement accurately describes the articulation of sacral vertebrae?
Which statement accurately describes the articulation of sacral vertebrae?
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What type of movement is primarily allowed by the lumbar vertebrae?
What type of movement is primarily allowed by the lumbar vertebrae?
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Study Notes
The Vertebral Column
- The vertebral column is a flexible rod supporting the body, protecting the spinal cord, and providing attachment sites for muscles.
- It has four natural curves: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral.
Vertebrae & Vertebras
- The vertebral column is composed of vertebrae—sections of bones
- The number of vertebrae varies between birth and adulthood.
- At birth there are 33 vertebrae
- In adulthood, there are 26 vertebrae
Curves of the Vertebral Column
- Cervical: Concave
- Thoracic: Convex,
- Lumbar: Concave
- Sacrum: Convex.
- The coccyx also contributes to the curves of the vertebral column.
Types of Vertebrae
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Cervical (C1-C7):
- Smallest vertebrae
- The first two (C1 and C2) are atypical.
- C3 to C7 are typical cervical vertebrae
-
Thoracic (T1-T12):
- Spinous processes are long and point inferiorly; they articulate with ribs at the transverse processes
- Possess costal demifacets; which are used to give attachment to ribs
-
Lumbar (L1-L5):
- Large and robust bodies
- Spinous processes are thick, blunt and point posteriorly.
-
Sacral (S1-S5):
- Five fused vertebrae
- Forms the posterior wall of the pelvis
- Superior surface articulates with the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5).
- Inferiorly articulates with the coccyx.
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Coccyx (3-5 fused vertebrae):
- Forms part of the lower vertebral column
- Has a minimal function
Abnormal curves
- Scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis are abnormal curves in the spine.
Typical Vertebrae Structure
- Spinous process: A bony projection extending posteriorly from the vertebrae.
- Lamina: Plates of bone that form the sides of the arch of a vertebra.
- Superior articular processes: Bony protrusions on the superior parts of vertebrae that allow articulation with the vertebra directly above.
- Inferior articular processes: Bony protrusions on the inferior parts of vertebrae that allow articulation with the vertebra directly below.
- Pedicles: Connect the vertebral body with the lamina to form the vertebral arch.
- Transverse processes: Lateral projections form parts of the vertebra; they give sites for muscle attachment
- Vertebral foramen: The opening through which the spinal cord passes.
- Vertebral body: The large, round anterior portion of the vertebra, supporting the weight of the body.
C1 and C2 (Atlas and Axis)
- These two cervical vertebrae are atypical.
- C1 (Atlas): Lacks a body and spinous process, supports the skull with superior articular facets, allowing nodding motion (“yes”).
- C2 (Axis): Has a body and spinous process, the dens (odontoid process) projecting superiorly acts as a pivot point for rotation of the atlas and skull (“no” motion).
Intervertebral Discs
-
Found between vertebrae, these discs act as cushions for the spine's natural curves
-
Annulus fibrosus: Tough, circular exterior of the disc.
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Nucleus pulposus: Inner core of the intervertebral disc.
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Measurement of the vertebral column: 28 inches/70cm, and contains 33 individual vertebrae at birth, 26 in adulthood.
Movements of the Vertebral Column
- Flexion: Bending forward (cervical and lumbar)
- Extension: Bending backwards (cervical and lumbar)
- Rotation: Turning (cervical and thoracic)
- Lateral flexion: Side-bending (cervical and lumbar).
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Description
This quiz covers the vertebral column, its composition, and the curves that support the human body. Learn about the types of vertebrae, their unique characteristics, and how they transition from birth to adulthood. Test your knowledge on this vital structure in human anatomy.
