Vertebral Column

What are the main functions of the vertebral column?

Support, movement, spinal cord and nerve protection, hematopoiesis.

How many vertebrae are in the vertebral column?

32-35 individual vertebrae.

What are the five regions of the spine and their number of vertebrae?

Cervical - 7, Thoracic - 12, Lumbar - 5, Pelvic (Sacrum) - 5 fused, Coccygeal (Coccyx) - 4.

What are primary spinal curvatures?

Thoracic and pelvic regions, c-shaped, kyphosis, accommodate organ space.

What are secondary spinal curvatures?

Cervical and lumbar regions, lordosis.

Why are vertebral curvatures important?

They allow greater compressive forces and stabilize vertebral column movements.

What are the main components of a typical vertebra?

Vertebral body (anterior), vertebral arch (anchored through pedicles), intervertebral discs, and vertebral canal.

What forms the intervertebral foramina?

Vertebral pedicles of two adjacent vertebrae.

What passes through the intervertebral foramina?

Spinal nerve roots.

What is the function of the posterior spinal nerve roots?

Afferent fibers (sensory input).

What is the function of the anterior spinal nerve roots?

Efferent fibers (motor output).

Where are intervertebral discs located?

Between C2 and S1.

What are the two main components of intervertebral discs?

Annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus.

What are the two types of vertebral joints?

1. Symphysis (connects vertebral bodies, less mobile). 2. Synovial (connects vertebral arch processes, highly mobile).

What is the total range of flexion in the vertebral column?

145 degrees (Cervical: 40°, Thoracolumbar: 105°).

What is the total range of extension in the vertebral column?

135 degrees (Cervical: 75°, Thoracolumbar: 60°).

What is the total range of lateral flexion in the vertebral column?

75-85 degrees (Cervical: 30-45°, Thoracic: 20°, Lumbar: 20°).

What is the total range of rotation in the vertebral column?

85-90 degrees (Cervical: 45-50°, Thoracic: 35°, Lumbar: 5°).

What is the function of the caudal end of the vertebral column?

Transfers force at the lumbar junction and sacroiliac joint.

How does the vertebral column interact with the hip joint?

It plays a role in movement and force transfer.

What is posture?

The position held while standing, sitting, or lying down.

Where does the gravity line pass in normal posture?

On the concave side of each vertebral curvature.

What characterizes normal posture?

Minimal muscle activation, low stress on connective tissues, and little to no energy expenditure.