Classification of Vertebrae

Question 1

How are spinal nerves named?

Answer 1

C1-C7 - named after the bone below it.
C8 onward - named after the bone above it.

Question 2

Describe C1 and C2.

Answer 2

Atlas - a ring of bone that supports the skull.
Axis - provides a pivot for the head (the odontoid process).
The atlantoaxial joint connect C1 and C2, allowing for rotation of the head.

Question 3

How can you identify cervical vertebrae?

Answer 3

Bifid spinous processes (C2-C6).
Transverse foramen.

Question 4

How can you identify thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 4

Two demi-facets on either side of the body (superior and inferior) for articulation with the heads of two different ribs.
Inferiorly pointing spinous processes.

Question 5

How can you identify lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 5

Large, kidney-shaped vertebral bodies.
No transverse foramen or costal facets.

Question 6

How can you identify sacral vertebrae?

Answer 6

Five fused bones form a triangle.
Facets for articulation with the pelvis on the lateral walls.

Question 7

How can you identify the coccyx?

Answer 7

Articulates with the apex of the sacrum.
No vertebral arches or vertebral canal.

Question 8

Describe the structure of a vertebra.

Answer 8

The body is attached to the arch by the pedicle.
Transverse processes are perpendicular to articular processes and the spinous process (which faces dorsally).
A lamina connects the spinous process to the rest of the arch.

Question 9

What directions do the vertebrae face?

Answer 9

Cervical - transverse.
Thoracic - sagittal.
Lumbar - transverse, sagittal and coronal.

Question 10

What joints are present in the intervertebral column?

Answer 10

Intervertebral discs - secondary cartilaginous.
Facet joints - synovial plane.
Joints with ribs - synovial plane.
Atlantooccipital - synovial ellipsoid.
Atlantoaxial - synovial pivot.