Vertebral Column, Ribs, Ligaments & Pathologies

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering rib classification, vertebral anatomy, spinal ligaments, intervertebral disks, and common vertebral pathologies for exam review.

True Ribs

1st–7th pairs; vertebrocostal ribs that attach directly to the sternum.

Vertebrocostal Ribs

Another name for true ribs (1–7) that articulate with the sternum through their own costal cartilages.

False Ribs

8th–10th pairs; vertebrochondral ribs that attach to the sternum indirectly via the cartilage of the rib above.

Vertebrochondral Ribs

Alternative term for false ribs (8–10) that connect to the sternum through shared costal cartilage.

Floating Ribs

11th–12th ribs; vertebral (free) ribs with no anterior attachment to the sternum.

Typical Ribs

3rd–9th ribs characterized by a head, neck, tubercle, shaft (body), costal angle, and costal groove.

Atypical Ribs

1st, 2nd, and 10th–12th ribs whose features differ from typical ribs (e.g., single head facet on 1st, 10th–12th; no neck/tubercle on 11th–12th).

Costal Angle

The point where the rib shaft bends sharply forward; common fracture site.

Costal Groove

A groove along the inferior border of a rib that shelters intercostal vessels and nerve.

Scalene Tubercle

Ridge on the superior surface of the 1st rib for attachment of the anterior scalene muscle.

Tuberosity for Serratus Anterior

Rough area on the 2nd rib where the serratus anterior muscle attaches.

Costotransverse Joint

Articulation between the rib tubercle and the transverse process of a thoracic vertebra.

Radiate Ligament (of rib head)

Ligament that fans out from the rib head to the bodies of adjacent vertebrae and intervertebral disc.

Thoracic Zygapophyseal Facets

Articular facets in the upper/mid thorax oriented in the frontal plane, allowing mainly rotation and lateral flexion.

Mamillary Process

Small projection on the posterior aspect of the superior articular process of lumbar vertebrae.

Lumbar Vertebra

Largest, heaviest vertebrae with broad spinous processes, short pedicles, and laterally/posteriorly projecting transverse processes.

Auricular Surface

Ear-shaped lateral surface of the sacrum that articulates with the ilium.

Sacral Hiatus

Inferior opening of the sacral canal formed by failure of the laminae of S5 (and sometimes S4) to meet.

Anterior Sacral Foramina

Four paired openings on the pelvic surface of the sacrum transmitting anterior rami of sacral nerves.

Burst (Compression) Fracture

Axial load–induced fracture of a vertebral body; thoracic spine vulnerable due to kyphosis; categorized as stable or unstable.

Clay Shoveler's Fracture

Avulsion fracture of the C7 spinous process typically caused by forceful muscle contraction.

Hangman's Fracture

Fracture of the vertebral arch of C2 resulting from hyperextension and distraction.

Jefferson Fracture

2- to 4-part burst fracture of the atlas (C1) often due to axial loading from a blow to the top of the head, such as diving into shallow water.

Costotransverse Ligament

Ligament connecting the rib neck to the transverse process, stabilizing the costotransverse joint.

Lateral Costotransverse Ligament

Ligament extending from rib tubercle to the tip of the transverse process.

Superior Costotransverse Ligament

Ligament running from the rib neck to the transverse process of the vertebra above.

Zygapophyseal Facet Orientation (Lumbar)

Sagittal-plane alignment of lumbar facets allowing mainly flexion/extension with minimal rotation.

Thoracolumbar Fascia

Fibrous sheet in the lumbar region into which the lumbar supraspinous ligament blends, making it indistinct.

Pars Interarticularis

Portion of vertebral arch between superior and inferior articular processes; fracture site in spondylolysis.

What structures does the Intertransverse Ligament connect?

Adjacent transverse processes.

During what spinal movement is the Intertransverse Ligament stretched or compressed?

Lateral flexion.

Where does the Supraspinous Ligament run?

Over the tips of the spinous processes.

What is the anatomical extent of the Supraspinous Ligament?

From C7 to L3/L4.

What spinal movement does the Supraspinous Ligament limit?

Flexion.

Which posterior ligament is typically the first to fail under stress?

The Supraspinous Ligament.

What is the Ligamentum Nuchae a continuation of?

The supraspinous ligament in the cervical region.

What is the anatomical extent of the Ligamentum Nuchae?

From C2–C7 spinous processes to the occiput.

What spinal movement does the Ligamentum Nuchae resist?

Flexion.

Where are the Interspinous Ligaments located?

Between successive spinous processes.

What is the primary function of the Interspinous Ligaments?

To help limit spinal flexion.

What type of ligaments are the Ligamentum Flavum due to their composition?

Elastic, yellow ligaments.

Where do the Ligamentum Flavum connect?

Adjacent laminae.

What is the anatomical extent of the Ligamentum Flavum?

From C2 to the sacrum.

What are the two main functions of the Ligamentum Flavum?

They maintain constant tension and intradiscal pressure.

Where is the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL) located?

As a strong band on the anterior surface of vertebral bodies.

What is the anatomical extent of the ALL?

From the atlas (C1) to the sacrum.

What spinal movement does the ALL primarily limit?

Spinal extension, especially in the lumbar region.

Where is the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (PLL) located?

As a broad central ligament on the posterior surface of vertebral bodies.

Why are posterolateral disk herniations common in relation to the PLL?

Because the PLL is weak laterally, providing minimal support in that area.

What spinal movement does the PLL resist?

Flexion.

What is the composition of an Intervertebral Disk?

A fibrocartilaginous pad.

Where are Intervertebral Disks primarily located in the spine?

Between C2 and the sacrum, uniting adjacent vertebrae.

What are the two main components of an Intervertebral Disk?

The annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus.

What is the Annulus Fibrosus?

The outer fibrocartilaginous ring of an intervertebral disk.

Describe the vascularization and innervation of the outer layers of the Annulus Fibrosus.

They are vascularized and innervated.

Describe the vascularization of the inner layers of the Annulus Fibrosus.

They are hypovascular (poorly vascularized).

What is the Nucleus Pulposus?

The hydrated, mucoid central core of an intervertebral disk.

What key mechanical properties does the Nucleus Pulposus possess?

It permits compression and re-expansion.

What is a Posterolateral Disk Herniation?

A protrusion of the nucleus pulposus through a weakened posterolateral annulus.

Why is the posterolateral region a common site for disk herniations?

Because the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (PLL) provides minimal support in this area.

What is Spondylolysis?

A stress fracture or congenital defect.

What specific anatomical structure is affected in Spondylolysis?

The pars interarticularis (the junction between the lamina and superior articular facet).

What is Spondylolisthesis?

An anterior slippage of a vertebra.

What is the common cause of Spondylolisthesis?

Bilateral defects (such as stress fractures or congenital defects) of the pars interarticularis.

What is a potential treatment for severe Spondylolisthesis?

Surgical stabilization.