A9 Vertebrae 1 Flashcards
Define the term skeleton & recognise the different forms
Skeleton = a hard framework to support & protect soft tissues
Exoskeleton
Hydrostatic skeleton
Endaskeleton
Define the components of the vertebrate skeleton
Axial
- skull
- vertebral column
- ribs
- sternum
Appendicular
-Limbs
Splanchnic
- small bones within viscera
Describe the functions of the vertebral column?
- Maintenance of posture
- Contribution to locomotion
- Point of attachment
- Protection
What is the vertebral formula of the canine?
Cervical = 7
Thoracic = 13
Lumbar = 7
Sacral =3
Coccygeal = 18-20
State the two joints occurring between successive vertebrae
Symphyseal - body to body (intervertebral disc)
Synovial - arch to arch (articular facet joint)
Describe the atlas
C1
• dorsal & ventral arches (no true body)
• first spinal nerve exits spinal canal through C1
• with occipital condoles of skull - flexion/extension
Describe the axis
C2
• longest vertebra
• large spinous process
• characteristic dens
• large cranial particular surface
• dens secured into fovea dentis of atlas by complex of ligaments
• rotational articulation
Describe the cervical vertebrae
7
• long sloping vertebral bodies
• large, flat particular facets
• small spinous processes
• transverse processes are large & branched
Describe the thoracic vertebrae
13
• each vertebra has a short body
• long spinous processes, short transverse processes
• low articular processes
• characteristic costal facets
Describe the lumbar vertebrae
7
• large vertebrae with long bodies
• prominent spinous process
• distinctive large transverse process
Describe the sacral vertebrae
3
• Block of fused vertebrae
• articulates with the ilia of the pelvis
Describe the coccygeal vertebrae
~18-20
• Number is variable
• prominent spinous, transverse & particular processes
