Structure of the Vertebrae

Typical vertebrae components are...

Vertebral body

posterior vertebral arch

2 pedicles

2 laminae

2 transverse process

Spinous process

articular processes

Vertebral body

most anterior portion and largest part

connected to other vertebrae using intervertebral disc

supports body weight

Does the vertebrae body increase or decrease as you go down the spine?

increase in size as you go down

Vertebral arch

link between vertebral body to the posterior structures

Forms the lateral and posterior parts of the vertebral foramen (hole in center)

Vertebral Foramina

A on the chart, forms the vertebral canal for the spinal chord

pedicles of vertebra

on posterior surface near body of vertebrae

Attach vertebral arch to vertebral body

Laminae of vertebra

2 projections that extend poster-medially from each pedicle and them meet midline

Transverse process of vertebra

projection laterally at union of pedicle and laminae

for muscle and ligament attachment as well as rib

Spinous Process

a midline posterior projection

Vertebral Notch (superior/inferior)

form intervertebral foramen through which spinal nerve exits from vertebral canal

Intervertebral discs (what are two components)

joint connection between vertebrae

made of two components

Annulus fibrosis and Nucleus pulposus

Annulus fibrosis

peripheral area of disc, dense interwoven cartilaginous fibers, attached to vertebral body

Nucleus pulposus

able to change shape, capacity to absorb and hold water, subject to dehydration (green area)

Nucleus pulposus creates what joint that allow what motions?

sizzle joint that allows 3 plane motion (gliding, shearing)

Superior and Inferior articular processes

projection that forms a synovial joints called a facet joint