Vertebral Column and Upper Extremity

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts regarding the vertebral column, spinal nerves, and upper extremity anatomy.

Vertebral Column

A series of vertebrae that extend from the skull to the lower back, divided into five regions.

Regions of the Vertebral Column

Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral, and Coccygeal.

Vertebral Foramen

The opening that forms the vertebral canal, allowing the spinal cord to pass through.

Intervertebral Foramen

The openings between adjacent vertebrae through which spinal nerves exit.

Vertebral Arch

The part of a vertebra that encloses the vertebral foramen, composed of two pedicles and two laminae.

Vertebral Body

The main weight-bearing portion of a vertebra, larger and located anteriorly.

Anulus Fibrosus

The tough outer layer of an intervertebral disc, made of fibrocartilage.

Nucleus Pulposus

The gel-like center of an intervertebral disc.

Herniated Disc

A condition where the nucleus pulposus protrudes through the anulus fibrosus, potentially compressing spinal nerves.

Thoracic Kyphosis

An exaggerated curvature of the thoracic spine.

Lumbar Lordosis

An exaggerated inward curvature of the lumbar spine.

Scoliosis

Lateral curvature of the spine that can occur in thoracic or lumbar regions.

Meningeal Layers

The three protective coverings of the spinal cord: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid that circulates in the subarachnoid space, providing protection and nourishment to the spinal cord.

Atlanto-Occipital Joint

A joint allowing 'yes' motion, between the skull and the first cervical vertebra (C1).

Atlanto-Axial Joint

A joint allowing 'no' motion, between the first (C1) and second cervical vertebra (C2).

Brachial Plexus

A network of nerves that supplies the arm, formed from the anterior rami of spinal nerves C5-T1.

Flexor Digitorum Superficialis

A muscle that flexes the wrist and mediates flexion in the MCP and PIP joints of the fingers.

True Ribs

The first seven pairs of ribs that attach directly to the sternum.

False Ribs

Ribs 8-10 that do not attach directly to the sternum but are connected through costal cartilage.

Floating Ribs

Ribs 11 and 12 that do not attach to the sternum at all.

Clavicle

A bone that connects the arm to the body, forming joints with the sternum and scapula.

Scapula

The shoulder blade that articulates with the clavicle and humerus.

Humerus

The upper arm bone, articulating with the scapula at the shoulder joint.

Epicondyle

Bony protrusions on the humerus where ligaments and tendons attach.

Rotator Cuff Muscles

A group of muscles and their tendons that act to stabilize the shoulder.

Trapezius Muscle

A major muscle of the upper back responsible for moving and stabilizing the scapula.

Deltoid Muscle

A shoulder muscle responsible for arm abduction, involving three distinct parts.

Coracobrachialis Muscle

A muscle that helps flex and adduct the shoulder.

Latissimus Dorsi

A broad muscle in the back that extends, adducts, and medially rotates the arm.

Terres Major

A muscle that assists in the adduction and internal rotation of the arm.

Epicondyle Location

The condyles of the humerus found at the distal end, serving as attachment points for muscles.

Intercostal Nerves

The nerves that innervate the intercostal muscles and skin of the thoracic wall.