V Column Basics
What are the five regions of the vertebral column, and how many vertebrae are typically found in each?
Cervical (7), Thoracic (12), Lumbar (5), Sacral (5 fused), Coccygeal (4 fused)
What are the primary and secondary curvatures of the vertebral column?
Primary: Thoracic and Sacral; Secondary: Cervical and Lumbar
Name an identifying feature of thoracic vertebrae.
Costal facets.
What is the difference between a strain and sprain?
Strain: muscle or tendon (Bone to Muscle)
Sprina: Ligament (Bone to Bone)
If you were to injury the space between the C4 and C5 vertebrae which spinal nerve would you expect to be impacted?
C5 spinal nerve.
Why do vertebral bodies increase in size from superior to inferior?
To support progressively more body weight
Which curvature becomes prominent when a child begins to lift their head?
Cervical curvature. (Lordotic)
What is the function of the vertebral foramen?
It forms the vertebral canal, which houses the spinal cord and meninges
What ligament prevents hyperextension of the vertebral column?
Anterior longitudinal ligament
Where is the most common site for disk herniation?
L5-S1
Which vertebrae are fused in the sacrum, and what is their function?
The 5 sacral vertebrae; they transfer body weight to the pelvic girdle
What is the clinical name for an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine often seen in adolescent females?
Scoliosis
What are the three main components of a typical vertebra?
Vertebral body, vertebral arch, and seven processes (spinous, transverse, and articular)
What is the function of the ligamenta flava?
They resist separation of laminae during flexion and help maintain posture
Between which vertebrae do you usually administer an epidural?
L3-L5 while the patient is on their side in a flexed position
What structural component contributes approximately one-quarter of the length of the presacral vertebral column?
The intervertebral (IV) discs
Which spinal curvature is commonly exaggerated during late pregnancy?
Lumbar lordosis; it results from anterior rotation of the pelvis due to changes in center of gravity
Why are thoracic spinous processes not aligned with their corresponding vertebral bodies?
Due to the oblique angulation of the spinous processes, they lie inferior to the corresponding vertebral body
Where is the frequent site of spur formation?
Uncovertebral joints
What physiological changes occur in intervertebral discs with age?
The nucleus pulposus dehydrates and loses elastin and proteoglycans, becoming more fibrous, while the annulus fibrosus thickens and stiffens
Why is there no intervertebral disc between the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2)?
Because these vertebrae form specialized synovial joints (atlanto-axial) designed for rotation, not weight-bearing like other spinal levels
How are primary curvatures maintained?
Shape of the vertebrae
What part of the vertebrae connects it to posterior elements?
Pedicle
What is the function of the zygapophysial joints?
Allow vertabrae to articulate with eachother.
What are the three meningeal layers that surround the spinal cord, from outermost to innermost?
(Sorry for the out of category question but I thought it was important :) )
Dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater