The Vertebral Column

What makes up the spinal column?

33 bones called vertebrae

Vertebrae extend from ___ to ___

skull to pelvis

What are the 4 joints of the vertebral column?

• costotransverse

• costovertebral

• intervertebral

• zygapophyseal

What are the 4 functions of the spinal column?

1. encloses and protects the spinal cord

2. supports the trunk of the body

3. supports the skull

4. provides for attachment for muscles of the back

The spinal cord extends from ___ to ___

foramen magnum (medulla oblongata) to lower border of L1

What are “true” vertebrae?

the 24 bones of the spinal column that remain separate during life

What is another term for true vertebrae?

moveable vertebrae

What are “false” vertebrae?

5 vertebral bones that fuse to form the sacrum

4 vertebral bones that fuse to form the coccyx

What are the regions of the vertebral column, and how many bones are present in each?

• cervical: bones of the neck (7)

• thoracic: bones of the thorax (12)

• lumbar: bones of the abdomen (5)

• pelvic: sacrum (5) and coccyx (4)

What are the 2 curves of the spine?

primary (kyphotic) and secondary (lordotic)

Explain primary (kyphotic) curves of the spine

• present at birth

• convex posterior

• concave anterior

• thoracic and pelvic region

Explain secondary (lordotic) curves of the spine

• develops within 1st year of life

• concave posterior

• convex anterior

• cervical and lumbar region

What is kyphosis?

an exaggeration of the thoracic curve of the spine (caused by degeneration of disc spaces or poor posture)

What is lordosis?

an exaggeration of the lumbar curve of the spine (caused by obesity or quick weight gain)

What are the 2 main parts of a singular vertebra?

the body and the arch

Adjacent vertebral foramen form the ___

spinal canal

Where are intervertebral disk joints located?

between the bodies of the vertebrae C2-S1

What is the function of the intervertebral disk joints?

acts as a cushion for the spinal column

What is the classification of the intervertebral (disk) joints?

cartilaginous, amphiarthrodial, symphysis

The outer ring of the vertebral disks is called the ___

The inner ring of the vertebral disks is called the ___

outer: annulus fibrosis

inner: nucleus pulposus

What does the blue line represent?

vertebral arch

What does HNP stand for?

herniated nucleus pulposus

What is an HNP?

slipped disc; occurs when the nucleus pulposus ruptures or protrudes into the vertebral canal, causing impinging on the spinal nerve; can be caused by improper body mechanics

Explain the body of the vertebrae

• solid anterior part shaped like a cylinder

• composed of mostly cancellous bony tissue covered by a layer of compact bone

• covered by a thin plate of articular cartilage (for attachment of intervertebral disc)

What structures make up the vertebral arch?

pedicles and laminae

The vertebral notches are located on the ___

pedicles

The lamina join together to form the ___

spinous process

What are the intervertebral foramina?

foramen formed when vertebral notches of adjacent vertebrae come together to make a circle; transmit spinal nerves

When are intervertebral foramina seen on an x-ray of each spine segment?

C-spine: oblique

T-spine: lateral

L-spine: lateral

How many processes are there on a single vertebra? What are they?

2 transverse

4 articulating

1 spinous

(7 total)

Explain the location of the transverse processes

project laterally from the junction of the pedicles and laminae

Explain the location of the spinous process

projects posteriorly and inferiorly from the junction of the laminae in the posterior midline

The superior articulating processes have facets that face ___

The inferior articulating processes have facets that face ___

superior: face posteriorly

inferior: face anteriorly

The articulating processes contain articulating facets for ___

articulation with adjacent vertebrae

What are some other names for zygapophyseal joints?

interarticular joints and apophyseal joints

What are zygapophyseal joints?

articulations between the articular facets of the articulating processes of adjacent vertebrae

What is the classification of zygapophyseal joints?

diarthrodial, synovial, gliding

When are zygapophyseal joints seen on an x-ray of each spine segment?

C-spine: lateral

T-spine: oblique

L-spine: oblique