Assignment 1 Flashcards
Where are the intervertebral foramina located?
where superior and inferior intervertebral notches meet
What articulates with the superior articular process of the vertebrae?
the inferior articular process of the preceding vertebrae
What two features of a vertebra enclose or surround the vertebral foramen?
- body
* vertebral arch
What direction is the curvature that is formed by the cervical vertebrae?
concave posteriorly (convex anteriorly)
What is the purpose of curvatures in the vertebral column?
increase strength, resilience, and flexibility of vertebral column
What passes through the sacral foramina?
nerves
What is the most inferior region of the vertebral column? What marking on the sacrum denotes the beginning of the true pelvic cavity?
- coccyx
* sacral promontory
How many sacral vertebrae are there before they fuse together?
5
What are the most common sites of metastatic disease within the bone? (4)
vertebral bodies, pelvic bones, & ribs
What is a common diagnostic procedure used to diagnose bone pain to show metastasis from a primary disease?
bone scan using Technetium-99
What radioisotope can be used to treat bone pain?
- Strontium 89 (89SR)
* Samarium 153 (153Sm)
The most common primary tumor that mets to bone is ___________.
lung cancer
What is a laminectomy and when might it be performed?
A surgical procedure to remove the lamina of the vertebrae to decompress and expose the spinal cord
What are the four most common presenting symptoms of spinal cord compression?
- pain
- weakness
- sensory loss
- autonomic dysfunction (i.e. loss of bowel and bladder sphincter control)
define scoliosis
abnormal lateral curvature of the vertebral column with excessive right or left curvature in the thoracic region
