Anatomy of the vertebral column (Teachmeanatomy)

Fill the blank: The coccyx is a small bone which articulates with the apex of the (..).

sacrum

True/false The vertebral foramen of thoracic vertebrae is triangular.

False, circular

True/false The coccyx is recognised by its lack of vertebral bodies.

False, vertebral arches *Due to the lack of vertebral arches, there is no vertebral canal.

What passes through the Transverse foramina?

It is an opening in each transverse process, through which the vertebral arteries travel to the brain.

Which region permits needle access to the spinal canal and spinal cord?

Lumbar region

Which vertebral region has the largest vertebrae?

Lumbar vertebrae, they are structurally specialised to support the weight of the torso. *they have very large vertebral bodies, which are kidney-shaped.

How many bones are in the vertebral column?

33 vertebrae (bones), which are separated by intervertebral discs.

How many regions are in the vertebral column?

5 regions *Each region is characterised by a different vertebral structure.

What does the vertebrae consist of?

An anterior vertebral body, and a posterior vertebral arch.

Which cervical vertebrae are exceptions regarding the Bifid spinous process bifurcation?

C1 (no spinous process) and C7 (spinous process is longer than that of C2-C6 and may not bifurcate).

What is function of the articular processes?

Form joints between one vertebra and its superior and inferior counterparts. *Restrict movements in certain directions & prevent vertebrae from slipping anteriorly.

What are the three main distinguishing features of the (cervical vertebrae)?

1) Bifid spinous process 2) Transverse foramina 3) Triangular vertebral foramen

What are the bony prominences of the vertebral arch?

1) Spinous processes 2) Transverse processes 3) Pedicles 4) Lamina 5) Articular processes

Fill the blank: The superior and inferior aspects of the vertebral body are lined with (..).

hyaline cartilage *Adjacent vertebral bodies are separated by a fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disc.

Fill the blank: On the lateral walls of the sacrum are facets for articulation with the (..) at the sacroiliac joints.

pelvis

Fill the blank: In the thoracic vertebrae, the "transverse processes" articulate with the (..).

ribs

What are the special features of the "thoracic vertebrae"?

two 'demi facets' costal facet on the transverse processes spinous processes of thoracic vertebrae are oriented obliquely inferiorly and posteriorly.

What forms the vertebral foramen?

vertebral body and vertebral arch *The foramina of all the vertebrae line up to form the vertebral canal, which encloses the spinal cord.

What is the function of the costal facet?

It articulates with the shaft of a single rib.

What is the function of the Bifid spinous process?

It bifurcates at its distal end.

What are the special features of the lumbar vertebrae?

No special features ;) They lack the characteristic features of other vertebrae, with no transverse foramina, costal facets, or bifid spinous processes.

What are the main functions of the vertebral column?

Protection - encloses and protects the spinal cord within the spinal canal. Support - carries the weight of the body above the pelvis. Axis - forms the central axis of the body. Movement - has roles in both posture and movement.

Describe the congenital abnormalities "lumbarisation" and "sacralisation":

Separation of S1 from the sacrum is termed "lumbarisation", while fusion of L5 to the sacrum is termed "sacralisation".

What is the function of the 2 demi facets?

They articulate with the heads of two different ribs.

True/false The twelve thoracic vertebrae are medium-sized, and increase in size from superior to inferior.

True *Their specialised function is to articulate with ribs, producing the bony thorax.

True/false Lumbar vertebrae have triangular-shaped vertebral foramen.

True *Their spinous processes are shorter than those of thoracic vertebrae and do not extend inferiorly below the level of the vertebral body.

Fill the blank: The sacrum is a collection of (..) vertebrae.

Five fused vertebrae *It is described as an inverted triangle, with the apex pointing inferiorly.

Which part of the vertebrae is a weight-bearing component?

The Vertebral Body *vertebrae in the lower portion of the column have larger bodies than those in the upper portion (to better support the increased weight).