The Spine - Structure and Function

Question 1

state 3/7 functions of the spine

Answer 1

1. stability of the thorax
2. movement in all directions
3. supports the head, shoulders and rib cage
4. protects the spinal cord
5. force transference
6. shock absorber
7. attachment point for muscles and ligaments

Question 2

state the 5 spinal sections, and how many vertebrae are in each

Answer 2

1. cervicle - 7 vertebrae
2. thoracic - 12 vertebrae
3. lumbar - 5 vertebrae
4. sarcal - 5 fused vertebrae
5. coccygeal - 3-5 fused vertebrae

Question 3

state the 4 spinal curves

Answer 3

1. 2 x primary thoracic and sarco-coccygeal curves - kyphosis
2. 2 x secondary cervicle and lumbar curves - lordosis

Question 4

what type of curvature are the primary spinal curves

Answer 4

kyphosis

Question 5

what type of curvature are the secondary spinal curves

Answer 5

lordosis

Question 6

state what it is meant by the key term - scoliosis

Answer 6

scoliosis is a condition of lateral curvature of the spinal column

Question 7

the vertebrae differ in what 3 ways ?

Answer 7

1. size
2. shape
3. facet orientation

Question 8

The vertebrae differ in size, shape and facet orientation. What is the effect of this ?

Answer 8

the function of the spinal column differs throughout the length of the spinal column

Question 9

what vertebrae are the smallest and lightest ?

Answer 9

the cervicle vertebrae and the smallest and lightest vertebrae

Question 10

how are cervicle vertebrae distinguished ? (3 characteristics)

Answer 10

1. oval body
2. short spinous process
3. large foramen

Question 11

what do all cervicle vertebrae contain, and what is the effect of this ?

Answer 11

each transverse process contains a transverse foramen for blood vessels travelling up to the brain/head

Question 12

how is the atlas (C1) characterised ? (2 points)

Answer 12

1. no spinous process

2. no body

Question 13

what is the main function of the atlas (C1) ?

Answer 13

functions to help keep the head in place

Question 14

how is the axis (C2) characterised ? (3 things)

Answer 14

has a body, spine and vertebral arches like no other vertebrae

Question 15

what is unique two the axis (C2) ?

Answer 15

has a dens - a process projecting superiorly from the spinous body

Question 16

what do the thoracic vertebrae articulate with ?

Answer 16

the thoracic vertebrae all articulate with the ribs - the costovertebral joints

Question 17

how are thoracic vertebrae characterised ? (4 things)

Answer 17

1. heart shaped body
2. circular foremen
3. transverse processes
4. long spinous processes

Question 18

talk about articular facets within the thoracic spine

Answer 18

articular facets limit flexion/extension movements, but allow for rotation

Question 19

how are lumbar vertebrae characterised ? (3 things)

Answer 19

1. short thick pedicles and laminae
2. flat spinous processes
3. triangular shaped foremen

Question 20

talk about articular facets in the lumbar spine

Answer 20

articular facets lock to provide stability

Question 21

what do the sacral vertebrae do ?

Answer 21

sarcal vertebrae articulate with the innominate to form the pelvic girdle

Question 22

state 3 facts about ‘the bottom line’ of the spinal column’s function

Answer 22

1. vertebrae consist of vertebral bodies which bear weight
2. vertebral arches (laminae and pedicles) protect the spinal chord
3. processes extending from the arch, which provide attachment and leverage for muscles

Question 23

state the names of the 2 joint types within the spinal column

Answer 23

1. vertebral body articulations (amphiarthrosis, symphysis)

2. vertebral facet articulations (non-axial, diarthrodial)

Question 24

state what it is meant by the key term - vertebral body articulations

Answer 24

bodies of the vertebrae are united by a fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disc

Question 25

state what it is meant by the key term - vertebral faces articulations

Answer 25

non-axial, diarthrodial joints between the articular facets of the vertebral arch

Question 26

what joint type are vertebral body articulations ?

Answer 26

amphiarthrosis, symphysis

Question 27

what joint type are vertebral facet articulations ?

Answer 27

non-axial, diarthrodial

Question 28

what is movement determined by in vertebral facet articulations ?

Answer 28

movement is largely determined by the directions that the articular facets face

Question 29

intervertebral discs vary in thickness depending on what parameters ?

Answer 29

intervertebral discs vary in thickness depending on location and are relative to the size of the vertebral body

Question 30

what proportion of the length of the spinal column is made up of the intervertebral discs

Answer 30

approximately 1/4

Question 31

what two components make up the intervertebral discs ?

Answer 31

1. annulus fibrosis - outer fibrous ring | 2. nucleus pulposus - inner ball of firmly compressed elastic material

Question 32

what 3 things do intervertebral discs allow for ?

Answer 32

1. compression 2. rotation 3. stock absorption

Question 33

what proportion of the intervertebral discs are made up of water ?

Answer 33

approx. 80-90% of the intervertebral discs are made up of water

Question 34

state what it is meant by the key term - disc protrusion

Answer 34

disc protrusion is a type of disc herniation characterised by protrusion of a disc beyond the normal confinements of the intervertebral disc

Question 35

state what it is meant by the key term - spondylolisthesis

Answer 35

spondylolisthesis is a condition involving spinal instability, which means the vertebral discs moves more than they should

Question 36

state the names of the 6 vertebral column ligaments

Answer 36

1. ligamentum flavum 2. interspinous ligament 3. supraspinous ligament 4. inter-transverse ligament 5. anterior longitudinal ligament 6. posterior longitudinal ligamant

Question 37

what is the location/what does the following connect - ligamentum flavum

Answer 37

connects the lamina from the axis to the sacrum

Question 38

what is the location/what does the following connect - interspinous ligament

Answer 38

connects the spinous processes

Question 39

what is the location/what does the following connect - supraspinous ligament

Answer 39

connects the apices of the spinous processes

Question 40

what is the location/what does the following connect - inter-transverse ligament

Answer 40

connects the transverse processes

Question 41

what is the location/what does the following connect - anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 41

connects the vertebral bodies

Question 42

what is the location/what does the following connect - posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 42

connects the vertebral bodies

Question 43

what is the function of the - ligamentum flavum

Answer 43

limits flexion

Question 44

what is the function of the - interspinous ligament

Answer 44

limits flexion

Question 45

what is the function of the - supraspinous ligament

Answer 45

limits flexion

Question 46

what is the function of the - inter-transverse ligament

Answer 46

limite lateral flexion

Question 47

what is the function of the - anterior longitudinal ligament (2)

Answer 47

1. limits extension | 2. reinforces the anterior portion of the annulus fibrosis

Question 48

what is the function of the - posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 48

limits flexion