Chapter 8 Flashcards
What amount does the intervertebral discs account for in length of the vertebral column
one-quarter of the length of the vertebral column
Where can the superior-most disc and inferior-most disc be found in the vertebral column
- superior-most disc: between the axis & the third cervical vertebra
- inferior-most disc: between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the sacrum
How are discs named and numbered?
according to vertebra below which they lie
What does an intervertebral disc consist of?
- anulus fibrosus
- nucleus pulposus
What is the nucleus pulposus made up of
80% water
in fetus: 88%
late adult life: 70%
What disproves the belief that the disc is compressible
The high water content
What are the characteristics of the anulus fibrosis?
- composed of fibrocartilage
- collagen fibers arranged in concentric rings
- external fibers blend with longitudinal ligaments; internal fibers blend with nucleus pulposus
- thicker anteriorly than posteriorly
What are the functions of the anulus fibrosis?
- binding together of vertebral bodies
- joint stability
- movement between two adjacent vertebrae
- retention of the nucleus pulposus
In what regions are intervertebral discs height the same and different anteriorly and posteriorly
- cervical and lumbar regions: discs are higher anteriorly than posteriorly
- thoracic region: discs are the same height anteriorly and posteriorly
Where do anterior longitudinal ligaments span from and what are the consistency of them… are they strong, thin, thick, weak
- basilar part of the occipital bone to the sacrum
- broad & thick
- strong
Where do posterior longitudinal ligaments span from and what are the consistency of them… are they strong, thin, thick, weak
- body of the axis down to the sacrum
- narrow & thin
- strong
Where do supraspinous ligaments span from and what are the consistency of them… are they strong, thin, thick, weak
- they span from the axis down to the sacrum
- broad & thick
- strong
Where do interspinous ligaments span from and what are the consistency of them… are they strong, thin, thick, weak
- they span from spine to spine & from the deep ligamentum flavum to the supraspinal ligaments superficially
- thin & weak
where are interspinous ligaments most poorly developed?
in the cervical region
Which ligament is associated with ligamentum nuchae?
supraspinous ligament
Which ligament resists flexion? Extension?
- posterior longitudinal ligaments resist flexion
- anterior longitudinal ligaments resist extension
What is the function of ligamentum flavum?
preserve the upright posture and assist the vertebral column in resuming it’s shape after flexion
What part of the vertebra is covered by a thin plate of hyaline cartilage
suprajacent and infrajacent vertebral bodies
Why do people get shorter as they age?
the intervertebral disc at the center of the nucleus pulposus dehydrates over the years
