Joints Axial/Appendicular

Axial skeleton

• Strong joints

• Permit very little movement

Appendicular joints

• Extensive range of motion

• Weaker than axial skeleton joints

What does intervertebral joints form

intervertebral discs

Intervertebral discs

Account for ¼ length of vertebral column

Anulus fibrosus

Tough outer ring of fribrocartilage

Collagen fibers attach to adjacent vertebrae

Nucleus pulposus

Soft, elastic, gelatinous core

Gives disc resilience and shock absorption ability

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

Disc bulging

• Caused by weakened posterior longitudinal ligaments

• Tough outer layer of cartilages bulges laterally

Herniated disc

Compress spinal nerves

Osteopenia

• Inadequate ossificaiton leading to loss of bone mass

• ages between 30 and 40

• more severe in woman than men