Vertebral Column and Spinal Nerves (Class 10)

Flashcards for Anatomy Class 10, focusing on the vertebral column, spinal nerve roots, and lumbar/sacral plexus.

Lordosis

The normal curvature of the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine.

Kyphosis

The concave posterior curvature of the thoracic and sacrococcygeal regions of the spine.

Cervical Region

The uppermost region of the vertebral column, consisting of 7 vertebrae.

Thoracic Region

The middle region of the vertebral column, consisting of 12 vertebrae.

Lumbar Region

The lower region of the vertebral column, consisting of 5 vertebrae.

Sacrococcygeal Region

The lowermost region of the vertebral column, consisting of the sacrum and coccyx.

Intervertebral Discs

Absorbs and transmits compression and shear forces throughout the spinal column.

Nucleus pulposus

Inner gelatinous core of the intervertebral disc.

Annulus fibrosus

Outer fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc.

Vertebral end plate

Cartilaginous endplate separating the intervertebral disc from the vertebral body.

Atlas

Supports the weight of the cranium; C1.

Axis

Provides axial rotation; C2.

Transverse foramen

Opening in the transverse process of cervical vertebrae for the vertebral artery.

Ligamentum Flavum

Connects laminae of adjacent vertebrae.

Supraspinous and Interspinous Ligaments

Connects spinous processes.

Intertransverse ligaments

Connects transverse processes.

Anterior longitudinal ligament

Runs along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies.

Posterior longitudinal ligament

Runs along the posterior surface of the vertebral bodies.

Afferent Fibers

Sensory nerve fibers; arrive at the posterior horn.

Efferent Fibers

Motor nerve fibers; exit at the anterior horn.

Lumbar Plexus

Formed by the ventral rami of L1-L4 and some fibers from T12. Located in the posterior abdominal wall, anterior to the psoas major muscle.

Ilioinguinal Nerve

a nerve of the lumbar plexus that Provides cutaneous innervation to the groin and the external genitals

Genitofemoral Nerve

Cutaneous innervation to upper and medial thigh and innervates cremaster muscle.

Femoral Nerve

Innervates the anterior thigh muscles and provides cutaneous innervation to the anterior and medial thigh and leg.

Obturator Nerve

Innervates the adductor muscles of the thigh and provides cutaneous innervation to the medial thigh.

Vertebral Column Segments (how many for each?)

33 total…

7 Cervical

12 Thoracic

5 Lumbar

5 Sacral

4 Coccygeal