Back (VC and SC) Flashcards
How long is the adult vertebral column?
72-75 inches
What does the back consist of?
Posterior Trunk, SC, VC
True/False: The back is the region to which the neck, head, and limbs are attached.
True
What six things does the back include?
- skin and subcutaneous tissue 2. Muscles 3. VC (w/ associated structures) 4. Ribs 5. SC and meninges 6. Segmental nerves and vessels
What protects the SC and nerves?
Vertebral Column
What are the other three major functions of the VC?
Support weight, provide axis, and posture & locomotion
How many vertebrae are there in total?
33
How many cervical vertebrae are there?
7
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
12
How many lumbar vertebrae are there?
5
How many sacral vertebrae are there?
5
How many coccygeal vertebrae are there?
4
What are the sacral vertebrae fused to form?
Sacrum
What are the coccygeal vertebrae fused to form?
Coccyx
At what age does fusing of the coccygeal vertebrae occur?
approx after age 30
What is it called when L5 abnormally fuses to the sacrum?
Sacralization
What is it called when S1 is not fused to the sacrum, but instead the Lumbar vertebrae?
Lumbarization
What type of joints primarily make up the VC?
Synovial Zygapophysial (facet) joints
What do the zygapophysial joints function to do?
Facilitate and control flexibility
What three components make up a typical vertebra?
Body, Arch, and 7 processes
Name three characteristics of the vertebral body.
More massive, cylindrical anterior part. Size increases as VC decends, and it is primarily made of spongy bone enclosed by a thing external layer of compact bone
What is most the vertebral body covered in?
Discs of Hyaline cartilage
What are the two parts of the vertebral arch?
Two pedicles and laminae
What is formed between the arch and the body?
Vertical Foramen