<<

EDU - Module 2 > & Spine > Thorax & Spine

Vertebral column (aka, spinal column, aka, spine)

• It encloses and protects the .

• It provides attachment sites for muscles of the , , and trunk.

• The individual vertebrae are named according to their region and vertical order. For example, T1 is the first of the thoracic region.

• The S- shaped curve of the vertebral column facilitate its flexibility and resilience.

Regions of the Vertebral Column: Cervical

• 7 vertebrae within the neck.

• C1 and C2 have unique anatomical features to support the .

• Small bodies.

• Transverse for vertebral .

• Spinous processes of 2-6 are bifid (aka, bifurcated).

Thoracic

• 12 vertebrae that articulate with to form posterior wall of thoracic cage.

• Bodies have costal facets for articulations with the ribs.

• Spinous processes are typically longer and angled inferiorly.

• Transverse processes have costal facets for articulation with ribs.

Lumbar

• 5 vertebrae of the lower .

• Large bodies.

• Spinous processes are typically short, and more horizontally oriented.

• Short transverse processes.

Sacral/Coccygeal

• 5 fused sacral .

1 / 2 • 3-4 fused coccygeal bones.

• Contribute to posterior wall of the .

General Features of Vertebrae: Vertebral body (aka, centrum)

• The disc-shaped weight-bearing portion of the vertebra.

Vertebral (aka, neural) arch

• Pedicles

• Laminae

• Transverse processes

• Spinous

• Superior and inferior for articulation with vertebrae above and below

Vertebral foramen

• Space between body and arch

• When stacked, vertebral foramina create vertebral canal, through which spinal cord passes

Intervertebral foramen

• Where spinal pass through vertebral column laterally

Intervertebral disc

• Absorbs shock and acts as a cushion between the vertebrae, and allows for spinal flexibility.

• It comprises:

- The nucleus pulposus, which is an inner gelatinous substance

- The anulus fibrosus is the outer ring of collagen and that encloses the nucleus pulposus

Clinical correlations:

• Distorted spinal curvatures can be caused by poor posture, aging, disease, and other factors.

, which is a common curvature abnormality, is characterized by a lateral curvature of the vertebral column.

• Herniated intervertebral discs are common; they occur when a fissure in the annulus fibrosus allows the nucleus pulposus to bulge and compress nearby nerves, which can cause deficits and pain.

See: Spinal cord compression.

Additional Images

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) 2 / 2