Lab 3: Vertebral Column

These flashcards cover the anatomical features, regional specializations, ligaments, mechanics, and common pathologies of the human vertebral column as discussed in the Lab 3 lecture.

Vertebral Column

A structure composed of $33$ vertebrae ($26$ in adults after fusion) and $23$ intervertebral discs.

Vertebral Body

The thick, anterior part of a vertebra that is the primary weight-bearing component.

Vertebral Arch

The posterior portion of a vertebra consisting of two pedicles and two laminae that surrounds the vertebral foramen.

Pedicle

Short, thick processes that project posteriorly from the vertebral body to form the lateral walls of the vertebral arch.

Lamina

The broad, flat parts of the vertebral arch that fuse in the midline to form the spinous process.

Vertebral Foramen

The large opening formed by the vertebral body and the vertebral arch through which the spinal cord passes.

Intervertebral Foramen (IVF)

The opening between the superior and inferior vertebral notches of adjacent vertebrae through which spinal nerves exit.

Zygapophysial Joint

A synovial joint between the superior articular process of one vertebra and the inferior articular process of the vertebra above it, also known as a facet joint.

Atlas ($C1$)

The first cervical vertebra that lacks a vertebral body and a spinous process, consisting of an anterior and posterior arch.

Axis ($C2$)

The second cervical vertebra characterized by the dens (odontoid process) which serves as a pivot for rotation of the head.

Dens (Odontoid Process)

A superior projection from the body of the axis ($C2$) that articulates with the anterior arch of the atlas ($C1$).

Bifid Spinous Process

A spinous process that splits into two parts, characteristic of typical cervical vertebrae ($C2-C6$).

Transverse Foramen

Openings in the transverse processes of cervical vertebrae that transmit the vertebral artery.

Vertebra Prominens ($C7$)

The seventh cervical vertebra known for its long, non-bifid spinous process that is easily palpable at the base of the neck.

Costal Facet

Articulation points found on the bodies and transverse processes of thoracic vertebrae for the attachment of the ribs.

Sacrum

A large, triangular bone at the base of the spine formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae ($S1-S5$).

Sacral Promontory

The anteriorly projecting superior border of the first sacral vertebra ($S1$).

Sacral Hiatus

An opening at the inferior end of the sacral canal on the posterior surface of the sacrum.

Coccyx

The small triangular bone at the base of the vertebral column, formed by the fusion of four coccygeal vertebrae ($Co1-Co4$).

Anulus Fibrosus

The outer ring of fibrocartilage in an intervertebral disc that surrounds the nucleus pulposus.

Nucleus Pulposus

The inner, gel-like, elastic core of an intervertebral disc.

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL)

A strong, broad ligament that runs along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies, preventing hyperextension of the spine.

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (PLL)

A ligament located within the vertebral canal that runs along the posterior surface of the vertebral bodies.

Ligamentum Flavum

Yellow elastic ligaments that connect the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.

Nuchal Ligament

A thick, fibroelastic ligament extending from the external occipital protuberance to the spinous process of $C7$.

Transverse Ligament of Atlas

A ligament that spans the atlas to hold the dens of the axis against the anterior arch of the atlas.

Scoliosis

An abnormal lateral curvature of the spinal column.

Kyphosis

An exaggerated posterior (primary) curvature of the thoracic spine.

Lordosis

An exaggerated anterior (secondary) curvature of the lumbar or cervical spine.

Spondylosis

A degenerative condition of the spine characterized by endplate sclerosis, disc space narrowing, and the formation of osteophytes.

Spondylolysis

A stress fracture in the pars interarticularis of the vertebral arch.

Spondylolisthesis

The displacement or sliding of one vertebra over another, often following spondylolysis.

Spinal Stenosis

A narrowing of the spinal canal or intervertebral foramina that can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Radiculopathy

A condition caused by the compression or irritation of a spinal nerve root, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the areas served by that nerve.

Sciatica

Pain resulting from the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve ($L4-S3$), often caused by disc herniation or piriformis syndrome.