UNIT 3: vertebrae/ spinal cord Flashcards
name the regions of the thoracic vertebrae
- cervical vertebrae (c1-8)
- thoracic vertebrae (t1-12)
- lumbar vertebrae (l1-5)
- sacrum (s1-5) - fused
- coccyx (1-4) - fused
what are the distinguishing features of the cervical vertebrae?
- small vertebral body
- bifid spinous process (apart from c1-7)
- transverse foramina
- triangular vertebral foramen
(c1 - atlas, c2 - axial - movement of the heart)
what are the distinguishing features of the thoracic vertebrae?
- increases in size from superior to inferior
- demi-facets/ costal facets to articulate with the ribs
- circular vertebral foramen
what are the distinguishing features of the lumbar vertebrae?
- large vertebral body
- triangular shaped vertebral foramen
- long/ slender transverse process
- short spinous process
what are the distinguishing features of the sacral vertebrae?
no vertebral arch = no vertebral canal
facets for articulation of pelvis
give four clinical syndromes resulting from abnormal curvature of the spine
- kyphosis - curvature of thoracic vertebrae (hunchback)
- lordosis - curvature of lumbar vertebrae (swayback)
- scoliosis - lateral curvature of spine
- cervical spondylosis - decrease in size of intervertebral foramen due to degeneration of joints in spine - pressure of nerves
describe the structure inbetween vertebrae
intervertebral discs - consists of fibrocartilage
outer layer: anulus fibrosum
inner layer: nucleus pulposum
side of discs form the anterior margin of the intervertebral foramen
which ligaments limit flexion of spine?
ligamentum flavum (chiefly) - runs in front of lamina interspinous/ supraspinous ligaments - connect spinous processes
what are the differences in the two types of longitudinal ligaments?
anterior: cover front and sides of the vertebral bodies- limit extension of spine prevents backward/ forward movement of vertebral bodies relative to each other
posterior: covers back of the vertebral bodies - limits the flexion of vertebral bodies
where does the spinal cord extend from/to?
foramen magnum to L2 - end of conus medullaris
what are the three meningeal layers that surround the spinal cord and what is their function?
dura mater/ arachnoid mater/ pia mater
protects and stabilises the cord within boy surroundings
contains CSF between arachnoid and pia mater in subarachnoid space
what are the paired extensions of the pia mater that anchor the cord and attach to dura mater?
denticulate ligaments (between anterior/ posterior roots of nerves) filum terminale - anchors cord to coccyx
what are the arachnoid tuberculae?
small strands of tissue containing spinal blood vessels
describe the regions of spinal nerves
31 spinal nerves in total 8 cervical 12 thoracic 5 lumbar 5 sacral 1 coccygeal
where are the enlargements of the spinal cord?
cervical - c5- t1 - brachial plexus - innervate upper limb
lumbrosacral l2-s3 - gives rise to lumbosacral plexus - innervates the lower limb
