Lecture - The Vertebral Column

Question 1

What are the functions of the vertebral column?

Answer 1

Movement and posture
Protection
Support
Forms central axis

Question 2

What makes up every vertebra?

How are they orientated?

Answer 2

Vertebral body - anterior
Vertebral arch - posterior
Together they form the vertebral foramen

Question 3

What are the 3 significant features/characteristics of the vertebral body?

Answer 3

Weight-bearing component
Gets larger as you move down the column, as must bear more weight
Superior and inferior surfaces covered in hyaline cartilage

Question 4

What separates all vertebral bodies?

Answer 4

IV discs

Question 5

What is significant about the IV discs in the T and L regions?

Answer 5

Wedge-shaped

Question 6

What is the function of the IV discs?

Answer 6

Shock absorption

Question 7

What is a “slipped disc”, and how does it occur?

Answer 7

A herniated intervertebral disc
Occurs when the annulus fibrosus ruptures, allowing the central nucleus polposus to protrude out, putting pressure on the spinal cord.

Question 8

What is formed by the numerous vertebral foramina lining up?

Answer 8

The vertebral canal, which encloses the spinal cord

Question 9

What is the function of the spinous process?

Answer 9

Attachment for muscles and ligaments

Question 10

What is the lamina, with regards to the vertebral arch?

Answer 10

The bone between the transverse and spinous processes

Question 11

What is the purpose of the superior articular processes?

Answer 11

Articulate with the inferior spinous processes of the vertebra above

Question 12

What is the name given to the section of bone between the vertebral body and the transverse processes?

Answer 12

The pedicles

Question 13

What is the purpose of the transverse processes?

Answer 13

Articulate with the ribs (thoracic region only)

Question 14

What is the name given to C1?

Answer 14

The Atlas

Question 15

Describe the characteristic features of the atlas.

Answer 15

No vertebral body and no spinous process

Question 16

Which vertebra is referred to as the axis?

Answer 16

C2

Question 17

What is the characteristic feature of the axis?

Answer 17

The dens (or odontoid process) - sticks up superiorly, acting as the body of the atlas.

Question 18

What are the 3 characteristic features of the cervical vertebrae?

Answer 18

Bifid spinous processes (except C7)
Foramen transversarium - foramina in each transverse process, providing channels for the vertebral arteries
Triangular vertebral foramina

Question 19

What is the main function of the thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 19

Articulation with the ribs

Question 20

Discuss the facets found on thoracic vertebrae

Answer 20

Demi-facets - 2 on each side of vertebral body –> articulate with the head of the rib above and below
Costal facets - 1 on each transverse process –> articulate with the tubercle of the rib

Question 21

Give 2 distinctive features of the T vertebrae, other than facets

Answer 21

1. Small, circular vertebral foramen

2. Spinous process points inferiorly and anteriorly

Question 22

What is the only distinctive feature of the lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 22

Large vertebral body for weight-bearing

Question 23

How many sacral vertebrae are there?

Answer 23

4 - 6, but usually 5

Question 24

What is significant about the sacral vertebrae?

Answer 24

Facets on the lateral wall for articulation with the pelvis –> form the sacro-iliac joints

Question 25

How many vertebrae make up the coccyx?

Answer 25

3 - 5, but usually 4

Question 26

Does the coccyx enclose the spinal cord? Explain

Answer 26

No - no vertebral arches, so no vertebral canal

Question 27

How many articulations per vertebra?

Answer 27

5

Question 28

What are the 2 types of articulation in the vertebral column?

Answer 28

Joints at facets | Articulations between vertebrae (indirect - via IV discs)

Question 29

What is the function of joints at facets?

Answer 29

Allows gliding movement between vertebrae

Question 30

What is the function of a ligamentum flava?

Answer 30

Connects the lamina of two vertebrae

Question 31

Which ligaments join the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae?

Answer 31

The infraspinous and supraspinous ligaments

Question 32

What do the intertransverse ligaments do?

Answer 32

Join transverse processes between adjacent vertebrae

Question 33

Which ligaments strengthen the vertebral body joints?

Answer 33

The anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments

Question 34

Why can you bend forward further than you can bend back?

Answer 34

The anterior longitudinal ligament prevents hyperextension, and is thicker and stronger than the posterior longitudinal ligament, which prevents hyperflexion. Hence, you can bend forward (flex) further than you can bend back (extend).

Question 35

List the movements of the vertebral column

Answer 35

Flexion Extension Abduction Rotation

Question 36

Discuss the curvature of the vertebral column in the foetus

Answer 36

One way only - approximate figure of C | Referred to as "primary curvature"

Question 37

Discuss the curvature of the vertebral column in an adult

Answer 37

Approximate figure of S - primary curvature is retained in the thoracic and sacral/coccygeal regions curvature the opposite way (secondary curvature) in the cervical and lumbar regions.

Question 38

What is kyphosis?

Answer 38

Exaggerated primary curvature, which usually occurs with age. Gives a hunchback appearance

Question 39

What is lordosis?

Answer 39

Exaggerated secondary curvature

Question 40

What is the name given to lateral curvature of the vertebral column?

Answer 40

Scoliosis

Question 41

What is cervical spondylitis?

Answer 41

Decrease in the size of the intervertebral foramina, usually due to degeneration of the spinal joints. Puts pressure on the nerves exiting through them - PAIN

Question 42

How many vertebrae are there? | How many in each region?

Answer 42

``` 33 - 7 cervical 12 thoracic 5 lumbar 5 sacral 4 coccygeal ```