The Back 8.13 Flashcards
(50 cards)
N164
Know it?
Vertebrae in adults
26 vertebrae (adult): • 7cervical • 12thoracic • 5lumbar • 1sacral • 1coccygeal
Function of intervertebral discs
- Absorb shock
- Permit movement between adjacent vertebrae
Effect of hydration on IV discs
Increase with hydration (most in AM, hence greatest height in morning)
N168
Know it? Anterior ligament, post. longitudinal ligament, ligamentum flavum, interspinous ligament, supraspinous ligament
Typical site/type of herniation
Post-lateral, lumbar (due to posture, compression, falls) in L4-L5 or L5-S1, cervical (movement)
Differentiation between vertebrae
Lumbar - Big body, short spinous processes
Thoracic - Costal facets for rib articulations
Cervical - Foramen in transverse processes (for vertebral arteries), small bodies
Atlas
Vertebra C1, also called the Atlas, is unique in that it has neither a body nor a spinous process. This ring‐shaped bone has paired lateral masses that serve the place of a body by bearing the weight of the globe‐like cranium.
Axis
Vertebra C2, also called the Axis, is the strongest of the cervical vertebrae. The distinguishing feature of the axis is the blunt tooth‐like dens (odontoid process), which projects superiorly from its body.
Primary Curvature
Resembles the fetal curvature (sacral and thoracic)
Secondary Curvature
develop as baby lifts head (cervical vertebrae remodeling) and then when the toddler begins to stand and walk (lumbar vertebrae remodeling)
Kyphosis
Curve in cervical region (“hump”)
Lordosis
Curve in lumbar region (normal in pregnancy)
Scoliosis
Curve favoring a side in T/C region
Symphysis
Joint between two vertebrae. The joints of the vertebral bodies are symphyses (secondary cartilaginous joints) designed for weight bearing and strength.The articulating surfaces of adjacent vertebrae are connected by IV discs and ligaments
Facet
Joint between bony aspects in vertebrae. The zygapophyseal (facet) joints are formed by the articulating processes of adjacent vertebrae.These processes determine the types of movements permitted and restricted between the adjacent vertebrae of each region. The articular processes also assist in keeping adjacent vertebrae aligned, particularly preventing one vertebra from slipping anteriorly on the vertebra below.
Flexion in back
Bend-over, toe touch
Extension in back
Backwards back bend (think Corrine in that music video)
Lateral flexion in back
Bending down to one side only
N176
Know it? Vertebral arteries, subclavian arteries, anterior spinal arteries, posterior spinal arteries
The anterior and posterior spinal arteries arise from… and supply…
…the vertebral arteries and supply the spinal cord
Posterior spinal artery feeds _ systems and anterior feeds _ systems
Posterior - sensory
Anterior - motor
N177
Know it? Poster and anterior spinal arteries
Vasculature of spinal cord - what feeds what portion?
Anterior Spinal Artery (1)
• arises from vertebral arteries and unite to form a single artery which travels midline of spinal cord and supplies anterior 2/3 of the cord.
Posterior Spinal Arteries (2)
• arise from vertebral arteries and travel just posterior to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (bilateral) and together supply the remaining posterior 1/3 of the spinal cord.
