intervertebral disks

what type of joint is the intervertebral disks?

symphysis joint - allows little movement

what is the function of intervertebral disks?

shock absorption and flexibility

what are the two parts if the intervertebral disk?

annulus fibrosis and nucleus pulposus

what is the annulus fibrosis and where does it come from?

outer structure of the disk made of fibrocartilage

developmentally comes from sclerotomes

what is the function of annulus fibrosis?

sequential layers offset by 90º provides strength within soft tissue

what is the nucleus pulposus and where does it come from?

elastic gelatinous cartilage comes from the notocord

what is the purpose of nucleus pulposus?

shock absorption

where does herniation occur and why?

herniation occurs posteriorly because the annulus fibrosis is thinner

anterior longitudinal ligament

runs occiput to sacrum (entire length of the spine)

resists hyperextension

ligamenta flava

elastic tissue that connects lamina

provides a posterior wall to the vertebral canal and prevents abrupt hyperflexion

intertransverse ligaments

connects transverse processes

supraspinous ligament

runs C7 to sacrum

very string last line of defense, prevents hyperflexion

nuchal ligament

occiput to C7, also attached to external occipital protuberance

resist hyperflexion, and other muscles attach to it