The Vertebral Column: Structure and Function

What is the primary function of the vertebral column?

Provide a base of support for the head and internal organs, and to provide stability and mobility.

How many vertebrae make up the vertebral column?

33

What is the difference between kyphotic curves and lordotic curves?

Kyphotic curves have a posterior convexity, while lordotic curves have a posterior concavity.

How many nerve roots are associated with the vertebral column?

31 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the vertebral column as a link between the upper and lower extremities?

It provides a stable base for the attachment of ligaments, bones, and muscles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the vertebral column in terms of the spinal cord?

To protect the spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary curves of the spine?

Thoracic curve and sacral curve Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of the vertical trabecular system in the spongy bone?

To sustain body weight and resist compression forces Signup and view all the answers

What is the area of weakness in the vertebral body?

The anterior portion of the body Signup and view all the answers

What are the two parts of the intervertebral disk?

Nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus Signup and view all the answers

What is the arrangement of collagen fibers in the annulus fibrosus?

In sheets called lamellae, arranged in concentric rings Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of collagen fibers in adjacent rings of the lamellae?

In opposite directions Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the nucleus pulposus during flexion of the spine?

It tends to migrate posteriorly, towards neural tissue. Signup and view all the answers

How does flexion affect the size of the intervertebral foramina?

It increases the size of the opening. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the load on the apophyseal joints during flexion of the spine?

It is transferred to the intervertebral discs. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the nucleus pulposus during extension of the spine?

It tends to migrate anteriorly, away from neural tissue. Signup and view all the answers

How does extension affect the tension in the posterior connective tissues and posterior margin of the annulus fibrosus?

It decreases the tension. Signup and view all the answers

What are the factors that influence the predominant motion at each spinal region?

The sizes of the intervertebral discs, shapes of the vertebrae, local muscle actions, and attachment of the ribs or ligaments. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the anterior structures of the spine during forward flexion?

They are subjected to compression. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of ligaments that contribute to spinal stability?

Intersegmental ligaments and intrasegmental ligaments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the intervertebral junctions?

To provide levers for muscles and ligaments, stabilizing the vertebral column and guiding intervertebral motion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of creep on the supporting structures of the spine?

It causes elongation, leading to a lack of stability and placing the vertebral structures at risk of injury. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of torsional stiffness in the spine?

The outer layers of vertebral bodies and intervertebral disks, and the orientation of the facets. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the movement of the spinal region?

Arthrokinematics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the rotation of the spine around a vertical axis?

Axial rotation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of the force exerted by shear on the vertebral bodies?

Anteriorly, posteriorly, or from side to side in relation to the inferior vertebra. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the apophyseal joints in resisting shear force in the lumbar spine?

They resist some of the shear force. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the approximation of joint surfaces caused by a compression force?

Extension or approximation. Signup and view all the answers

What increases the risk of rupture of disk fibers?

Combining torsion, heavy axial compression, and bending. Signup and view all the answers