26 Questions
What is the main requirement for the function of the vertebral column?
Rigidity and plasticity
What is the role of the ligamentous and muscular tighteners in the vertebral column?
To maintain equilibrium shape
What is the analogy used to describe the vertebral column?
A ship's mast
What is the function of the shoulder girdle in the vertebral column?
To act as a main-yard set transversely
What is the result of the muscular tighteners adapting their tension in the vertebral column?
Shape can be altered while maintaining rigidity
What is the effect of the vertebral column's plasticity?
Altered shape while maintaining rigidity
What is the characteristic of the curve of the vertebral column of a baby?
It exhibits one long curve that is convex posteriorly
What is the name of the curve formed in the thoracic and sacral regions?
Kyphotic curve
What are the two main parts of a typical vertebra?
The vertebral body and the vertebral arch
What is the function of the vertical trabecular system in the vertebral body?
It helps to sustain the body weight and resist compression forces
What is the part of the vertebral arch that divides it into two parts?
The pedicle
What is the name of the bony structure that forms a rim around the discal surface of the vertebral body?
Labrum
What is one of the main requirements for the vertebral column?
Rigidity and Plasticity
How many vertebrae make up the vertebral column?
33 vertebrae
What is the term for a curve in the vertebral column with a posterior convexity?
Kyphotic curve
How many nerve roots are there in the vertebral column?
31 nerve roots
What is the function of the vertebral column in relation to the head and internal organs?
To provide a base of support
How many fused vertebrae are there in the vertebral column?
9 fused vertebrae
Where is the area of weakness typically located in the body?
Anterior portion
What is the area of strength characterized by?
Trabecular system crossing each other
How many columns make up the entire spine?
Three
What is the major column made up of?
Stacked vertebral bodies
What is the relationship between the number of curvatures and resistance to axial compression forces?
Directly proportional
What is the Delmas index a measure of?
Ratio of height to length of the spinal column
What is the formula for the Delmas index?
H/L x 100
What is the purpose of the spinal curvatures?
To increase resistance to axial compression
Study Notes
Vertebral Column Structure and Function
- The vertebral column requires two main properties to function: rigidity and plasticity.
- Rigidity refers to its ability to maintain its shape and provide support, similar to a ship's mast.
- Plasticity allows it to adapt to changes in shape while maintaining its rigidity.
Typical Vertebra Structure
- A typical vertebra consists of two main parts: the vertebral body and the posterior arch.
- The vertebral body is built like a short bone, with a dense bony cortex surrounding a spongy bone.
- It has superior and inferior surfaces, discal surfaces, which are thick and partly cartilaginous.
- The vertebral body has vertical, oblique, and horizontal trabecular systems that correspond to the stresses placed on it.
Functions of the Vertebral Column
- Provide a base of support for the head and internal organs.
- Offer a stable base for the attachment of ligaments, bones, and muscles of the extremities, rib cage, and pelvis.
- Act as a link between the upper and lower extremities.
- Provide mobility for the trunk.
- Protect the spinal cord.
Structure of the Vertebral Column
- The vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae and 23 intervertebral disks.
- There are 24 distinct vertebrae (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar) and 9 fused vertebrae (5 sacral, 4 coccygeal).
- The vertebral column has 31 nerve roots (8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral).
Primary and Secondary Curves
- The vertebral column has primary and secondary curves.
- The primary curves are kyphotic (thoracic and sacral) and develop in infancy.
- The secondary curves are lordotic (cervical and lumbar) and develop in infancy.
Stability and Mobility
- The vertebral column has three columns: one major column (anterior) and two minor columns (posterior).
- The spinal curvatures increase resistance to axial compression forces.
- The resistance of a curved column is directly proportional to the number of curvatures + 1, as quantified by the Delmas index.
Test your knowledge of the vertebral column, including its general structure, function, stability, and mobility. Learn about the main requirements for its function and how it relates to the human body.
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