Osteology & Articulations of the Spine – Core Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of core vocabulary flashcards covering the major bones, joints, ligaments, curvatures, and vascular structures discussed in Dr. Moffett’s lecture on osteology and articulations of the spine.

Vertebral Body

The weight-bearing anterior portion of a vertebra that is separated from adjacent bodies by an intervertebral disc.

Vertebral Arch

Posterior bony ring (formed by pedicles and laminae) that encloses the spinal cord within the vertebral foramen.

Pedicle

Short, stout bony process that connects the vertebral body to the lamina, forming the sides of the vertebral arch.

Lamina

Flat posterior part of the vertebral arch extending from the pedicle to the spinous process.

Spinous Process

Midline posterior projection of a vertebra; palpable through the skin and provides muscle-ligament attachment.

Transverse Process

Lateral projection from the junction of pedicle and lamina; serves as muscle and ligament attachment and rib articulation in thoracic region.

Superior Articular Process

Upward-projecting process bearing a facet that articulates with the vertebra above, forming part of a zygapophyseal joint.

Inferior Articular Process

Downward-projecting process bearing a facet that articulates with the vertebra below.

Foramen Transversarium

Opening in the transverse process of cervical vertebrae (C1–C6 for artery, C1–C7 for vein) transmitting the vertebral vessels.

Costal Facet

Smooth articular surface on thoracic vertebrae for the head or tubercle of a rib; may be full or demi-faceted.

Demifacet

Half-facet on the superior or inferior edge of a thoracic vertebral body that, together with the adjacent vertebra, forms a full rib articulation.

Intervertebral Foramen

Paired lateral opening formed between adjacent vertebrae through which a spinal nerve and dorsal root ganglion exit.

Intervertebral Disc (IVD)

Fibrocartilaginous symphysis between vertebral bodies composed of an annulus fibrosus and a nucleus pulposus; acts as a shock absorber.

Annulus Fibrosus

Tough outer ring of concentric fibrocartilaginous lamellae surrounding the nucleus pulposus in an intervertebral disc.

Nucleus Pulposus

Gelatinous, hydrated central core of an intervertebral disc that redistributes compressive forces.

Zygapophyseal (Facet) Joint

Synovial joint between superior and inferior articular facets of adjacent vertebrae; orientation dictates regional spinal movements.

Uncovertebral Joint (Joint of Luschka)

Small articulation between uncinate processes of lower cervical vertebral bodies; may contain a synovial capsule.

Atlanto-Occipital Joint

Paired synovial joint between the occipital condyles and superior articular facets of C1 (atlas); permits 'yes' (nodding) motion.

Atlanto-Axial Joint

Median pivot and paired facet joints between C1 and C2; allow 'no' (rotation) movement of the head.

Dens (Odontoid Process)

Peg-like superior projection of C2 (axis) that acts as a pivot for rotation of the atlas and skull.

Lordosis

Anteriorly convex (posteriorly concave) spinal curvature; normally present in cervical and lumbar regions.

Kyphosis

Posteriorly convex (anteriorly concave) spinal curvature; normal in thoracic, sacral, and coccygeal regions.

Scoliosis

Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine often accompanied by vertebral rotation.

Costotransverse Joint

Synovial articulation between the tubercle of a rib and the transverse process of its corresponding thoracic vertebra (absent on T11–T12).

Mamillary Process

Small posterior projection on the superior articular process of lumbar vertebrae for muscle attachment.

Sacral Canal

Continuation of the vertebral canal within the sacrum containing the dural sac and cauda equina.

Sacral Hiatus

Inferior opening of the sacral canal formed by failure of the S5 laminae to fuse; exit for the coccygeal nerve.

Ventral Sacral Foramina

Anterior openings in the sacrum transmitting ventral rami of sacral spinal nerves.

Dorsal Sacral Foramina

Posterior openings in the sacrum transmitting dorsal rami of sacral spinal nerves.

Cauda Equina

Bundle of lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal nerve roots descending within the lumbar cistern below L1/L2.

Nuchal Ligament

Midline fibroelastic septum extending from external occipital protuberance to spinous process of C7; replaces supraspinous ligament in neck.

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament

Strong ligament running along anterior vertebral bodies from occiput to sacrum; limits hyper-extension.

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Ligament lining the posterior surfaces of vertebral bodies within the vertebral canal; limits flexion and forms the tectorial membrane above C2.

Ligamentum Flavum

Paired elastic ligaments connecting adjacent laminae; high elastic fiber content allows recoil after flexion.

Supraspinous Ligament

Longitudinal ligament connecting apices of spinous processes from C7 to sacrum; continuous with the nuchal ligament superiorly.

Cruciate Ligament of the Atlas

Cross-shaped ligament complex (transverse + longitudinal bands) that stabilizes the dens against the anterior arch of C1.

Alar Ligaments

Paired ligaments connecting sides of the dens to occipital condyles; restrict excessive rotation of the head.

Transverse Ligament of the Atlas

Horizontal band of the cruciate ligament securing the dens to C1's anterior arch; essential for atlanto-axial stability.

Vertebral Venous Plexus

Network of valveless internal and external veins running the length of the spinal column; provides route for metastatic cancer spread.

Basivertebral Veins

Veins that drain the vertebral body marrow into the internal vertebral venous plexus, linking external and internal networks.

Radiate Ligament (of Rib Head)

Fan-shaped ligament attaching the rib head to the bodies of its corresponding vertebra(e) and the intervening disc.

Costotransverse Ligament

Strong band anchoring the neck of a rib to the transverse process of the same-numbered thoracic vertebra.

Cervical Lordosis

Secondary curvature that develops when an infant begins to lift the head, positioning the cervical spine anteriorly convex.

Thoracic Kyphosis

Primary curvature in the thoracic region that is posteriorly convex and present from fetal development.