MSK Session 5- The vertebral column Flashcards
(38 cards)
What is the vertebral column made of?
33 small bones joined together by ligaments
What proportion of height does the vertebral column account for?
42%
What is the vertebral column the main component of?
The axial skeleton
How long is the vertebral column?
70-75 cm
What bones does the vertebral column articulate with? (4)
Head,
Scapula,
Ribs,
Hip bones
What is primary curvature?
The anterior concave nature of the spinal cord found in the foetus
What is Kyphosis?
Exaggeration of the anterior curvature of the thoracic spine. (Leaning forwards)
When does the cervical spine develop the first posterior concavity?
3 months old when baby starts to lift head.
When does the lumbar spine develop a posterior concavity?
6-12 months when child begins to stand and walk
What is lordosis?
An exaggeration of the posterior cervical and/or lumbar spine. (Leaning backwards)
What happens to the vertebral column in old age?
Reverts back to the C shape of the foetus as secondary curvatures disappear.
How many discrete and fused vertebrae are there?
- discrete= 24
- fused= 9
What do discrete vertebrae allow?
Flexibility
What emerges from the vertebral arches?
2 transverse processes and 1 spinous process
What is the pedicle?
The part of the vertebral arch between the body and transverse process.
What is the lamina?
The part of the vertebral arch between the transverse and spinous process.
Where are articular facets found?
At the junction between the pedicle and lamina
What joints form between adjacent vertebral arches, and what are their function?
Synovial joints
Prevent anterior displacements of vertebrae.
What is an intervertebral foramen formed from and what does it allow?
Formed from the superior and inferior vertebral notches above and below the pedicle.
Allows segmental nerves to pass from the cord to the periphery.
What are intervertebral discs responsible for?
Flexibility and act as a shock absorber
What length of the vertebral column do intervertebral discs account for?
19 cm.
25%
What are the two regions of the intervertebral disc called?
Central- nucleus palposus
Peripheral- annulus fibrosus
What are the two major ligaments of the vertebral column?
Anterior longitudinal and posterior longitudinal
Which longitudinal ligament is stronger?
Anterior
