Vertebra

Function of the vertebral column

Transmit weight of trunk to lower limbs

surround and protect spinal coord

What are the sections and how many bones

Cervical Vertebrae (7)

Thoracic Vertebrae (12)

Lumbar Vertebrae (5)

Sacrum (fused)

Coccyx (fused)

Reason for curvature and which way do each section curve

Increase resilience and flexibility of spinethe

Cervical and lumbar → concave posteriorly

Thoracic and sacral → convex posteriorly (concave anteriorly forward)

Scoliosis

abnormal lateral curvature (left or right)

Kyphosis

hunchback - exaggerated thoracic curve

Lordosis

swayback - excessive lumbar curve

Anterior longitudinal ligament

Strong and thick going from neck to sacrum in the front

Prevents hyperextension/ leaning back

Posterior longitudinal ligament

narrow and weak going from neck to sacrum in the back

Prevent forward flexion - leaning forward

Ligamentum Flavum

connect adjacent vertebrae - type of short ligament

Short ligament

Connect vertebra to those above and below

General structure includes (4 things)

Body/Centrum, vertebral arch, vertebral foramina, intervertebral foramina

Body/Centrum - bears the weight

Vertebral arch - top part that helps surround vertebral foramen

Vertebral foramina - passage for spinal cord

Intervertebral foramina - opening between adjacent vertebrae (up and down) where spinal nerves leave

intervertebral discs - cushionlike pads

Two parts of the intervertebral disc

Nucleus pulposus - gel like inside → elasticity and compressive

Anulus fibrosus - outer collagen and fibrocartilage → prevent expansion of inside

Cervical vertebra (C1-C7)

Bifid

Has transverse foramen in tranverse process (the two wholes on the sides)

Atlas (C1)

no body

connect to occipital condyle - support skull

Axis (C2) - has dens → middle thing on top → missing body of Atlas

Which bone is yes movement

atlas

Which bone is no movement

axis

What is missing between atlas and axis

Intervertebral disc

Thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12)

articulate with ribs

long spinous processes (that middle spike)

Circuluar vertebral foramen

Lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5)

hatchet shape spinous processes

which vertebra handles the most stress, largest

lumbar vertebrae

which region can rotate and which region can’t

thoracic region can and lumbar vertebrae can’t

Sacrum (S1-S5)

5 fused vertebrae

which region Forms posterior pelvis + articulate with hip bone

sacrum

Coccyx

Tail bone

3-5 fused vertebrae

Where do spinal nerves leave

intervertebral foramen