Concept A: Vertebral Column

How was the ala of the sacrum formed

"wing" fused remnants of transverse process

Describe the appearance and function of the axis

-Body of axis has a vertical projection called the: -DENS = Structure that initially would have been C1 body embryologically migrated to become the den -Strongest of all cervical vertebrae -Ligaments support this mechanism of rotation for the cervical spine Dens is "axis" of rotation Creates the "no" motion

Describe what happens when an intervertebral disc herniates

Annulus fibrosis weakens nucleus pulpous will herniate -compression of spinal nerves

Identify the features that indicate the anterior, posterior, and lateral sides of a typical vertebra

Anterior side: Vertebral Body Posterior side: Spinous process Lateral side: intervertebral foramen

What regions of the vertebral column are secondary curvatures

Cervical and Lumbar

What features combine to form the vertebral/neural arch?

Lamina and Pedicles

What is the difference between a primary vertebral curvature and a secondary vertebral curvature

Primary-develop during fetal period (3rd to 9th month) -concave internally Secondary-complete development after birth -concave posteriorly -cervical is prominent after birth, holds head up -lumbar is prominent after child walks

What regions of the vertebral column are primary curvatures

Thoracic and Sacral

In a single vertebra, the spinal cord passes through the

Vertebral foramen -formed by the vertebral arch and body

Identify the regions in the vertebral column and the number of vertebrae in each region

a. 7 cranial b. 12 thoracic c. 5 lumbar d. 5 sacral (fussed into sacrum) e. 1-4 coccygeal (fussed as coccyx)

List the functions of the vertebral column

a. Protection (for spinal cord, surrounding meninges, and spinal nerves.) b. Support (weight of body) c. Site of muscle attachment d. Controls and limits torso movement

Describe the abnormal curvatures of the vertebral column

a. Scoliosis- crooked or curved back b. Kyphosis- hunchback c. Lordosis- sway back

An intervertebral foramen is formed by the____and____.

a. inferior vertebral notch b. superior vertebral notch

Identify the parts of the intervertebral discs and describe the function of each part

a. nucleus pulpous elasticity and compressibility b. annulus fibrosis strengthen the disc considerably

Describe the functions of the stabilizing ligaments of the vertebral column

a. posterior longitudinal ligament b. anterior longitudinal ligament

How was the sacral hiatus formed

due to failure of s4/s5 Spinous process to form

How was the median sacral crest formed

fussed spinous process of s1-s3

What features are characteristics of a thoracic vertebra

heart shaped, medium sized

Which bone articulates with the auricular surface of the sacrum

illium to form sacroiliac joint

What features separate the individual vertebra in the vertebral column

intervertebral discs

What features are characteristic of a lumbar vertebra

largest, round or oval, thick and blunt

Describe the appearance and function of the atlas

ring like, superior articular surfaces articulate with occipital condyles of the skull, holds up the skull, swirls around the axis, yes motion

Explain the difference between a vertebral foramen and the vertebral canal

single opening, versus multiple vertebral foramen lining up

What features are characteristic of a cervical vertebra

small and kidney bean shaped

What passes through the intervertebral foramen

spinal nerve

What passes through the anterior and posterior sacral foramina

spinal nerves or anterior rami, posterior rami