3. Vertebrae Flashcards Preview

ESA 2 - MSK > 3. Vertebrae > Flashcards

Flashcards in 3. Vertebrae Deck (12)
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1
Q

which vertebrae are smallest/largest

A
cervical = smallest
thoracic = intermediate
lumbar = largest
2
Q

name 2 characteristic features of cervical vertebrae

A
  1. bifid spinous process (C2-C6)

2. transverse foramina in small transverse processes

3
Q

what passes through the transverse foramina of the cervical spine

A

vertebral artery and vein enter at C6 (go into foramen magnum)

(C7 foramen only transmit accessory vertebral vein)

4
Q

name 2 characteristic features of thoracic vertebrae

A
  1. long spinous processes mostly project inferiorly
  2. articular facets for ribs:
    - demi-facets (T2-T8) or whole facets (T9-T10) on sides of body for articulation with head of rib
    - costal facets on transverse processes for articulation with tubercle of rib
5
Q

name 2 characteristic features of lumbar vertebrae

A
  1. short blunt spinous process projecting posteriorly

2. large kidney-shaped vertebral body

6
Q

describe the orientation of the vertebral articular facets and the movements these allow

A

cervical
- superior: posterosuperior; inferior: anteroinferior

thoracic

  • superior: posterolateral; inferior: anteromedial
  • permits rotation, limits flexion

lumbar

  • superior: medial; inferior: lateral
  • permits flexion/extension, limits rotation
7
Q

name 3 characteristic features of atlas

A

1- no vertebral body
2- no spinous process
3- widest cervical vertebra

8
Q

name the articulations of C1 and the movements these allow

A
  1. C1 superior facets with occipital condyles of skull (atlanto-occipital joint) - 50% total flexion/extension (nodding)
  2. C1 inferior facets with C2 superior facets (atlanto-axial joint) + articular facet for dens - 50% total rotation (shaking)
9
Q

name 3 characteristic feature of axis

A

1- odontoid process/dens
2- rugged lateral mass
3- large spinous process

10
Q

what supports the atlas-odontoid process articulation

A

transverse ligament

11
Q

what is the function of the odontoid process and transverse ligament

A
  1. allows lateral rotation

2. prevents horizontal displacement of atlas

12
Q

what are the special characteristics of C7

A

1- longest spinous process (not bifid)

2- large transverse process but small foramen transversarium - only transmits accessory vertebral veins