Vertebral Column EDU - Module 2 > Thorax & Spine > Thorax & Spine Vertebral column (aka, spinal column, aka, spine) • It encloses and protects the spinal cord. • It provides attachment sites for muscles of the head, neck, and trunk. • The individual vertebrae are named according to their region and vertical order. For example, T1 is the first vertebra 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 skull. • Small bodies. • Transverse foramen for vertebral arteries. • Spinous processes of cervical vertebrae 2-6 are bifid (aka, bifurcated). Thoracic • 12 vertebrae that articulate with ribs 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 back. • Large bodies. • Spinous processes are typically short, and more horizontally oriented. • Short transverse processes. Sacral/Coccygeal • 5 fused sacral bones. 1 / 2 • 3-4 fused coccygeal bones. • Contribute to posterior wall of the pelvis. 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 process • Superior and inferior articular processes 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 nerves 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 cartilage that encloses the nucleus pulposus Clinical correlations: • Distorted spinal curvatures can be caused by poor posture, aging, disease, and other factors. • Scoliosis, 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.