Lecture One Review - Vertebral Column

Which two structures form the Vertebral Arch?

(2) Pedicles and (2) Laminae

What are all of the structures of C1?

1. Anterior and Posterior Arches 2. (2) Lateral Masses 3. Superior and Inferior Articular Processes (facets) 4. (2) Transverse Processes

What are the functions of the Vertebral Column?

1. Supports body in upright position and gives the trunk of the body its shape 2. Allows for bending/twisting movement 3. Protects the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots from injury 4. Joints of the vertebral column also help flexability 5. Fibrocartilage discs act as cushions 6. Supported by hip bones so weight of trunk is transmitted to the lower extremities

The Intervertebral Foramina forms a _______ degree angle anteriorly with the Midsagittal plane.

45

What is a slipped disc?

A condition when the Nucleus Pulposis protudes into the Vertebral Canal, impacting a spinal nerve.

The Apophyseal Joint between C1 and C2 is best demonstrated on which projection?

AP with mouth open

What is Kyphosis?

An abnormal exaggerated curvature with increased convexity (humpback)

What is Lordosis?

An abnormal exaggerated lumbar curvature with increased concavity (swayback).

What is Scoliosis?

An abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.

What is the Annulus Fibrosis?

An outer fibrocartilaginous disk of the Intervertebral Disk.

The Articular Processes (2 superior and two inferior) articulate with the vertebrae above and below to form which structure?

Apophyseal Joint

These joints are located between the Vertebral Arches, and are joined by superior and inferior articulating facets.

Apophyseal Joints

What is another name for C1?

Atlas

Two other names for C2

Axis and Epistropheus

What are the two main parts of a typical vertebra?

Body and Vertebral Arch

Which curvatures of the spine are considered secondary?

Cervical and Lumbar

Which vertebrae are considered true vertebrae? Why?

Cervical, Thoracic and Lumber. They are movable.

The Superior Articular Processes on the lateral masses receive the _______________ of the Occipital bone of the skull.

Condyles

What type of Joint is the Occipitoatlantal Joints? What movements do they allow?

Condyloid (Diathroidal)- allows the head to rock back and forth

The anterior arch of C1 recieves what structure of C2?

Dens or Odontoid Process

What type of joints are the Apophyseal Joints?

Diarthroidal Gliding Joints

What are the articulating surfaces of the Articular Processes that are covered with fibrocartilage?

Facets

These joints are slightly movable (amphiarthroidal) joints between Vertebral bodies.

Intervertebral Joints

What are the two major types of joints of the Vertebral Column?

Intervertebral and Apophyseal Joints

What type of bones are the Vertebrae?

Irregular Bones

Another term for the primary curvatures.

Kyphotic.

These structures are broad, flat plates of bone extending posteriorly and medially from the Pedicles.

Laminae

The Apophyseal Joints are best demonstrated in which projection of the C-Spine?

Lateral

Another term for secondary curvatures.

Lordotic

Diarthrotic Joints between the posterolateral margins of the lower 5 cervical vertebrae are the Joints of ____________.

Lushka

What forms the Intervertebral Foramina? hint: for transmission of spinal nerves and blood vessels.

Notches of the Pedicles

What is the soft, pulpy, semi-gelatinous material that makes up the central mass of the Intervertebral Disk?

Nucleus Pulposis

What are the two parts of the Intervertebral Disk?

Nucleus Pulposis and Annulus Fibrosis

The posterior arch transmits what structure?

Proximal Spinal Cord

Which vertebrae are considered false vertebrae? Why?

Sacrum and Coccyx. They don't move.

The Laminae join to form what structure? hint: It projects posteriorly and inferiorly from this junction.

Spinous Process

Which two structures form the Occipitoatlantal Joints?

Superior Articular Processes of C1 and Condyles of the Occipital Bone

Which structure acts as a pivot and allows the head to rotate from side to side?

The Odontoid Process

Which curvatures of the spine are considered primary?

Thoracic and Sacral

Which structure separates the Anterior and Posterior arches of C1?

Transverse Atlantal Ligament (letter C)

Found in the Cervical Vertebrae, this structure is for the transmission of the vertebral artery, veins and certain nerves.

Transverse Foramen

What two structures distinguish a typical Cervical Vertebrae?

Transverse Foramen and Bifid Spinous Processes

What structure is located at the junction of the pedicles and laminae? hint: located on either side.

Transverse Processes

What structure is formed by the body of the Vertebrae and the Vertebral Arch? hint: for transmission of the spinal cord

Vertebral Foramen

What is the large spinous process of C7?

Vertebral Prominens

What is the Articular Pillar?

a short, thick, column of bone made up of the superior and inferior articular processes that protects the spinal cord.