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Questions and Answers
How many distinct vertebrae does an adult have?
How many distinct vertebrae does an adult have?
Which section of the vertebral column contains vertebrae that are immovable?
Which section of the vertebral column contains vertebrae that are immovable?
What is the primary function of intervertebral discs?
What is the primary function of intervertebral discs?
Which type of vertebrae is characterized by being the largest in size?
Which type of vertebrae is characterized by being the largest in size?
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What role do cervical vertebrae play in the body?
What role do cervical vertebrae play in the body?
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At what age does the cervical curve start to develop in infants?
At what age does the cervical curve start to develop in infants?
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What is the function of the lumbar vertebrae?
What is the function of the lumbar vertebrae?
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What are the sacrum and coccyx primarily composed of?
What are the sacrum and coccyx primarily composed of?
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What characterizes the thoracic and sacral curves of the adult spinal column?
What characterizes the thoracic and sacral curves of the adult spinal column?
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At what age are all spinal curves fully developed in a child?
At what age are all spinal curves fully developed in a child?
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Which spinal curvature is most likely to decrease with age?
Which spinal curvature is most likely to decrease with age?
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What is the main function of the normal curvature of the vertebral column?
What is the main function of the normal curvature of the vertebral column?
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How does the spinal curvature of a newborn differ from that of an adult?
How does the spinal curvature of a newborn differ from that of an adult?
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Which of the following describes scoliosis?
Which of the following describes scoliosis?
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What constitutes a typical vertebra?
What constitutes a typical vertebra?
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Which term correctly describes the processes that extend from the junction between the pedicle and laminae?
Which term correctly describes the processes that extend from the junction between the pedicle and laminae?
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What are the primary components of the vertebral arch?
What are the primary components of the vertebral arch?
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What developmental stage is associated with the formation of secondary curves in the spinal column?
What developmental stage is associated with the formation of secondary curves in the spinal column?
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What is the main function of the nucleus pulposus in intervertebral discs?
What is the main function of the nucleus pulposus in intervertebral discs?
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What happens to the nucleus pulposus as a person ages?
What happens to the nucleus pulposus as a person ages?
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What is the role of the annulus fibrosus in intervertebral discs?
What is the role of the annulus fibrosus in intervertebral discs?
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What condition can occur due to a tear in the annulus fibrosus?
What condition can occur due to a tear in the annulus fibrosus?
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Which of the following processes serves as a point of attachment for muscles?
Which of the following processes serves as a point of attachment for muscles?
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What kind of joint do intervertebral discs form?
What kind of joint do intervertebral discs form?
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What is formed by the fusion of the transverse processes in the sacrum?
What is formed by the fusion of the transverse processes in the sacrum?
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Which cervical vertebra allows for rotation of the head, enabling a 'no' motion?
Which cervical vertebra allows for rotation of the head, enabling a 'no' motion?
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The coccyx is primarily composed of how many fused vertebrae?
The coccyx is primarily composed of how many fused vertebrae?
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What is hyperextension in terms of spinal movement?
What is hyperextension in terms of spinal movement?
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When the thorax moves to the side during spinal movement, this is referred to as which type of motion?
When the thorax moves to the side during spinal movement, this is referred to as which type of motion?
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What is the primary function of the vertebral foramen?
What is the primary function of the vertebral foramen?
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Which vertebra is known as the Atlas?
Which vertebra is known as the Atlas?
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What term describes the congenital condition where two sides of the vertebral arch fail to fuse?
What term describes the congenital condition where two sides of the vertebral arch fail to fuse?
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What does the intervertebral foramen primarily allow for?
What does the intervertebral foramen primarily allow for?
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Which cervical vertebrae are considered atypical?
Which cervical vertebrae are considered atypical?
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What is the role of the dens of C2?
What is the role of the dens of C2?
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Which feature distinguishes cervical vertebrae from others?
Which feature distinguishes cervical vertebrae from others?
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What condition is associated with protrusion of both the spinal cord and meninges?
What condition is associated with protrusion of both the spinal cord and meninges?
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Study Notes
Vertebral Column
- Also known as the spine, spinal column, or backbone.
- An adult male's vertebral column is about 71 cm (28 inches) long, while an adult female's is about 61 cm (24 inches) long.
- During early development, there are 33 vertebrae.
- As a child grows, several vertebrae in the sacral and coccygeal regions fuse.
- Adults typically have 26 vertebrae with the sacrum and coccyx fusing into single bones.
- The vertebral column is comprised of:
- 7 cervical vertebrae (C1-C7)
- 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12)
- 5 lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5)
- 1 sacrum (5 fused vertebrae)
- 1 coccyx (4 fused vertebrae)
- The sacrum and coccyx lack individual numbering.
- The cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae are movable, while the sacrum and coccyx are immovable.
- Intervertebral discs are found between adjacent vertebrae from the second cervical vertebra (C2) to the sacrum.
General Structure of Vertebrae
- Cervical vertebrae (C1-C7) form the framework of the neck region, supporting the skull, and are relatively small.
- Each cervical vertebra has a foramen in its transverse process.
- Thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12) form the posterior part of the thoracic cage and articulate with the ribs.
- Lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5) provide skeletal support for the posterior abdominal wall, characterized by their large size.
- Sacral vertebrae are a fusion of 5 sacral bones, forming the posterior wall of the lower abdominal and pelvic cavity.
- Coccyx is a fusion of 4 coccygeal bones.
Functions of the Vertebral Column
- Supports the head.
- Maintains balance in an upright position.
- Encloses and protects the spinal cord.
- Allows for movement.
- Absorbs shocks during walking.
- Serves as a point of attachment for ribs, pelvic girdle, and muscles of the back and upper limbs.
Spinal Curvatures
- Fetal development: Starts with a single concave curve.
- Cervical curve develops as infants lift their heads during crawling.
- Lumbar curve develops as children sit up, stand, and walk.
- Adult vertebral column has 4 normal curves:
- Cervical and lumbar curves are convex (bulging out).
- Thoracic and sacral curves are concave (cupping in).
- Thoracic and sacral curves are called primary curves because they form first during fetal development.
- Cervical and lumbar curves are called secondary curves because they form after birth.
- All curves are fully developed by age 10 but may progressively disappear in old age.
- Spinal curvatures enhance vertebral column strength, maintain balance, absorb shock, and minimize fracture risk.
Abnormal Spinal Curvatures
- Scoliosis: Lateral bending of the vertebral column, usually in the thoracic region.
- Kyphosis: Increased thoracic curve of the vertebral column, often referred to as "hunchback."
- Lordosis: Increased lumbar and cervical curve, often referred to as "swayback."
Typical Vertebrae Structure
- Body: Largest and thickest part of the vertebra.
- Vertebral Arch: Consists of pedicles (short, thick projections) and laminae (broad, flat plates).
- Processes:
- Two transverse processes that extend posterolaterally.
- One spinous process that projects posteriorly.
- Four articular processes (superior and inferior) are located at the junction of pedicles and laminae, providing surfaces for articulation with adjacent vertebrae.
Intervertebral Discs
- Located between the vertebral bodies from C2 to the sacrum.
- Function as cartilaginous joints, allowing slight movement between vertebrae and acting as ligaments for holding them together.
- Two main components:
- Annulus fibrosus: Outer fibrous ring of fibrocartilage.
- Nucleus pulposus: Inner soft, pulpy, and elastic substance that acts as a shock absorber.
Intervertebral Foramina
- Openings between adjacent vertebrae that form passageways for nerve roots.
- Formed by inferior and superior vertebral notches.
- These openings are also called neural foramina.
Cervical Vertebrae (C1-C7)
- C1 (Atlas) and C2 (Axis) are considered atypical.
- C3-C6 are typical cervical vertebrae.
- C3-C6 features:
- Smaller bodies
- Short spinous processes that are often bifid or divided.
- Larger vertebral arches, leading to larger vertebral foramina.
- Transverse foramina (foramen transversarium) in their transverse processes for the vertebral artery.
C1 (Atlas)
- Ring-shaped and lacks a body.
- Composed of two lateral masses connected by an anterior and posterior arch.
- Lateral masses have a superior articular facet that articulates with the occipital condyle, forming the atlanto-occipital joint (AOJ).
- Lateral masses also have an inferior articular facet that articulates with the superior articular facet of C2, forming the atlanto-axial joint (AAJ).
C2 (Axis)
- Has a peg-like process called the dens or odontoid process, projecting upwards from the body of C2 toward the vertebral foramen of C1.
- The dens articulates with the anterior arch of C1, providing support for the atlas via a transverse ligament.
Thoracic Vertebrae (T1-T12)
- Have heart-shaped bodies and costal facets (for articulation with ribs).
- Features:
- Spinous processes are long and slope downward.
- Vertebral foramina are relatively small.
- Transverse processes are elongated and articulate with the ribs.
Lumbar Vertebrae (L1-L5)
- Largest vertebrae for supporting the weight of the upper body.
- Features:
- Thick, kidney-shaped bodies.
- Short, stout spinous processes.
- Transverse processes are broad and rectangular.
Sacrum
- Large, triangular bone formed from the fusion of 5 sacral vertebrae.
- Features:
- Sacral foramina for passage of spinal nerves.
- Median sacral crest (fusion of spinous processes).
- Lateral sacral crest (fusion of transverse processes).
Coccyx
- Inverted triangular bone formed from the fusion of 4 coccygeal vertebrae.
- Features:
- Coccygeal cornua (projections on the dorsal surface) for attachment of the sacrococcygeal ligament and pelvic floor muscles.
Movements of the Vertebral Column
- Flexion: Bending forward.
- Extension: Straightening out.
- Hyperextension: Bending backward beyond a normal range.
- Lateral flexion: Bending to the side.
- Rotation: Turning to the side.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the vertebral column, commonly known as the spine. The quiz covers the structure, function, and classification of different types of vertebrae. Learn about the cervical, thoracic, lumbar regions, and more.
