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
