Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which structure is also known as the neural foramen?
Which structure is also known as the neural foramen?
What is the most prominent spinous process in the cervical region, and also referred as vertebral prominence?
What is the most prominent spinous process in the cervical region, and also referred as vertebral prominence?
Which part of the intervertebral disc is the outer ring?
Which part of the intervertebral disc is the outer ring?
Which cervical vertebra has a unique bony projection for head rotation?
Which cervical vertebra has a unique bony projection for head rotation?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of joint is the facet joint?
What type of joint is the facet joint?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the region between the transverse process and the articular facets called?
What is the region between the transverse process and the articular facets called?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these features is unique to thoracic vertebrae?
Which of these features is unique to thoracic vertebrae?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the function of the uncinate processes in the cervical vertebrae?
What is the function of the uncinate processes in the cervical vertebrae?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Vertebral Landmarks
- Spinous Process: Projection from a bone, prominent in the midline of the back. C7's spinous process is the most obvious, called the vertebral prominence.
- Transverse Process: Bony projection in the transverse plane, serving as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments.
- Lamina: Portion of a vertebra between the transverse and spinous processes.
- Pedicle: Region between the vertebral arch and the vertebral body.
- Intervertebral Foramen: Opening between two adjacent pedicles (neural foramen), where spinal nerves exit.
- Superior Articular Facet: Projection off the top of a vertebra, articulating with the inferior articular facet of the vertebra below.
- Facet Joint (Zygapophyseal joint): Synovial plane joint formed by superior and inferior articular facets, allowing flexion and extension between vertebrae.
- Pars Interarticularis: Region between the transverse process and the articular facets.
- Vertebral Body: Largest and thickest portion of a vertebra.
- Vertebral Arch: Posterior portion of a vertebra encompassing the transverse process, pedicle, lamina, and spinous process.
- Intervertebral Disc: Fibrocartilage disc between vertebral bodies, composed of:
- Annulus Fibrosis: Outer ring of the disc.
- Nucleus Pulposus: Gelatinous inner core of the disc.
- Vertebral Foramen: Opening in the center of a vertebra.
- Vertebral Canal: Canal formed by vertebral foramina, housing the spinal cord.
- Spinal Nerves: Exit the vertebral canal through the intervertebral foramina.
Unique Features of Individual Vertebrae
-
Cervical Vertebrae:
- Bifid Spinous Process: C2-C6 have a forked spinous process.
- Vertebral Foramina: Openings in the transverse processes for vertebral arteries.
- Atlas (C1): Articulates with the occipital condyles of the skull via superior articular facets.
- Axis (C2): Odontoid Process (Dens): Bony projection that articulates with C1, enabling side-to-side head rotation (pivoting).
- Uncinate Processes: Hook-like projections from vertebral bodies, preventing lateral translation of cervical vertebrae.
-
Thoracic Vertebrae: Costal Facets: Facets for articulation with ribs.
-
Lumbar Vertebrae:
- Mammillary Processes: Bony prominences on transverse processes for muscle attachment.
- Accessory Processes: Bony protrusions on the posterior aspect of the transverse process.
- Thickest and largest vertebral bodies.
Movements of the Vertebral Column
- Flexion and Extension: Bending forward and backward, respectively.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the various vertebral landmarks and their functions in the human spine. Understand the anatomy, including the spinous process, transverse process, and much more. This quiz is essential for students of anatomy and healthcare professionals.
