L1 Vertebrae and The Vertebral Column- Dr Heaton

Vertebral Column

The central longitudinal bony pillar of the body that supports the skull, pectoral girdle, upper limbs, and thoracic cage.

Cervical Vertebrae

Seven small vertebrae in the neck region, characterized by a bifid spinous process and transverse foramen for vertebral arteries.

Atlas (C1)

The first cervical vertebra, ring shaped, with no vertebral body, and allows nodding of the head.

Axis (C2)

The second cervical vertebra with a dens (odontoid process) that allows rotation of the head.

Thoracic Vertebrae

Medium-sized vertebrae characterized by a heart-shaped body and facets for rib articulations.

Lumbar Vertebrae

Large vertebrae in the lower back with kidney-shaped bodies and large triangular vertebral foramina.

Sacrum

A triangular shaped bone formed by five fused sacral vertebrae that provides stability to the pelvis.

Coccyx

The small triangular bone at the end of the vertebral column, formed by four fused vertebrae.

Intervertebral Discs

Fibrocartilaginous structures that act as shock absorbers between adjacent vertebrae.

Kyphosis

An exaggerated posterior curve of the thoracic spine.

Lordosis

An exaggerated anterior curve of the lumbar spine.

Zygapophysial Joints

Synovial joints between adjacent superior and inferior articular processes of vertebrae.

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament

Ligament that runs from the base of the skull to the anterior surface of the sacrum, providing support.

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Ligament that lines the posterior surface of the vertebral bodies and contributes to spinal stability.

Vertebral Foramen

The opening in a vertebra that contains the spinal cord.

Facet Joints

Joints between the articular processes of vertebrae that allow limited movement but provide stability.

Nucleus Pulposus

The gelatinous center of an intervertebral disc.

Anulus Fibrosus

The outer ring of collagen surrounding the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc.

Costovertebral Joint

Joint between the vertebra and the rib, allowing for rib movement.

Sacroiliac Joint

The joint between the sacrum and the ilium, facilitating weight transfer between the spine and pelvis.

Lumbosacral Angle

The angle formed between the lumbar spine and the sacrum, important for body posture.

Transverse Foramen

Openings in cervical vertebrae that allow for the passage of vertebral arteries and veins.