Vertebral Column and Cervical Spine

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the vertebral column and cervical spine from the lecture notes.

Vertebral Column

Protects the spinal cord, supports the head, and serves as an attachment for the thoracic cage and pelvis to lower limbs.

Cervical Vertebrae

7 vertebrae in the neck region of the vertebral column.

Thoracic Vertebrae

12 vertebrae located in the upper back, corresponding to the rib cage.

Lumbar Vertebrae

5 vertebrae in the lower back region of the spine.

Sacral Vertebrae

5 fused vertebrae forming the sacrum.

Coccygeal Vertebrae

3-4 fused vertebrae forming the coccyx, or tailbone.

Primary Curve

Curvature of the vertebral column that remains in the thoracic and sacral regions throughout life.

Secondary Curves

Curves that develop in the cervical and lumbar regions as children age.

Kyphosis

An abnormal increase in the outward curvature of the thoracic spine.

Lordosis

An abnormal increase in inward curvature of the lumbar spine.

Scoliosis

A lateral curvature of the spine.

Vertebral Foramina

The openings that allow the passage of the spinal cord within the vertebrae.

Zygapophyseal Joint

The joint formed by the superior and inferior articular facets of adjacent vertebrae.

Intervertebral Discs

The cushions between the vertebrae that absorb shock.

Atlas (C1)

The first cervical vertebra, ring-shaped, with no body, supporting the skull.

Axis (C2)

The second cervical vertebra, characterized by the odontoid process (dens) which allows head rotation.

Transverse Foramen

The openings in cervical vertebrae for the passage of vertebral arteries.

Bifid Spinous Process

A spinous process that is split into two parts, characteristic of the cervical vertebrae.