Structure of the Spine
This part of the spine allows for movement and stability BETWEEN vertebrae
What are Facet Joints?
The vertebrae of the spine that supports the weight of the head
What are the Cervical Vertebrae?
What are the Cervical Vertebrae?
A curve in the spine that appears as a hunchback
The central opening within each vertebra which allows the spinal cord and its membranes to pass through
What is the Vertebral Foramen?
The vertebrae that form the backbone of the ribcage and protect the heart and lungs
What are the Thoracic Vertebrae?
The functions of the spine that allows you to stand straight up and not fall over
What are Posture and Balance?
The vertebrae that protect the nerve roots below the spinal cord
What are the Lumbar Vertebrae?
A lateral curve in the spine that forms an “S” or “C” shape
What is Scoliosis?
The large, oval-shaped, anterior portion of the vertebra that is responsible for weight bearing
The vertebrae that bears the most weight and allows for bending movements
What are the Lumbar Vertebrae?
Intervertebral Discs provide this function for the spine
What is Shock Absorption?
The structure that connects the Vertebral Body to the Vertebral Arch
What are the Pedicles?
A spinal condition that involves an excessive inward curve of the lumbar region, similar to an arched-back shape
What is Lordosis?
The flat, thin, bony plates that are located on the posterior portion of the spine, extend from the pedicles, and enclose the vertebral foramen
What are the Laminae?
The bony structure that extends from the vertebral body to surround the spinal canal
What is the Vertebral Arch?
The function of the spine regarding load and stress distribution
What is to evenly distribute the weight over the whole spine
The processes that project superior and inferior form the vertebrae to help with articulation (connection of vertebrae)
What are the Articular Processes?
The body projections that point out laterally and serve as attachment points for muscles and ligaments
What are the Transverse Processes?
The opening between the vertebrae that allows nerves and blood vessels to exit the spinal column
What are the Intervertebral Foramina?
The shape of the spine that acts as a spring to absorb the stress in the spine
What is Spinal Curvature?
The bony projection that can be felt along the back
What are Spinous Process?