Vertebral Anatomy

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the purpose of the intervertebral foramina?

To transmit spinal nerves and blood vessels (correct)

To protect the vertebral artery

To protect the spinal cord

To transmit blood vessels

What is the function of the vertebral foramen?

To enclose and protect the spinal cord and its coverings (correct)

To transmit spinal nerves

To transmit blood vessels

To articulate with adjacent vertebra

What features of the pedicles form the intervertebral foramina?

Lateral and medial borders

Anterior and posterior borders

Superior and inferior borders (correct)

Transverse processes

What is the function of the articular facets?

To articulate with adjacent vertebra Signup and view all the answers

How many articular processes arise from the junction of the laminae and the pedicles?

Four Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a typical cervical vertebra?

The transverse processes possess a transverse foramen for the passage of the vertebral artery and veins Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of the pedicles in a typical lumbar vertebra?

Backward Signup and view all the answers

What is the size of the body in a typical lumbar vertebra?

Large Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the 7th cervical vertebra?

It has the longest spinous process Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the vertebral foramen in a typical thoracic vertebra?

Circular Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the odontoid process in the 2nd cervical vertebra?

To serve as a pivot for the rotation of the head Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the body in a typical thoracic vertebra?

Medium and heart-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What forms the sides of the vertebral arch?

The right and left pedicles Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the vertebral column?

To support the skull, shoulder girdle, upper limbs, thoracic cage, and the pelvic girdle Signup and view all the answers

What is the number of intervertebral discs in the vertebral column?

23 Signup and view all the answers

How many vertebrae are there in the vertebral column?

33 Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the intervertebral discs?

To separate and unite the vertebrae Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the cavity that contains the spinal cord?

The spinal cavity Signup and view all the answers