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7B-LE3-A&P

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What are the five major regions of the vertebral column?

    The vertebral column has five regions: cervical (7 vertebrae), thoracic (12 vertebrae), lumbar (5 vertebrae), sacrum (fused vertebrae), and coccyx (fused bones).

  • What are the main functions of the vertebral column?

    It transmits trunk weight to lower limbs, protects the spinal cord, and provides attachment points for ribs and muscles.

  • Describe the four main curvatures of the spine.

    Cervical and lumbar curvatures are concave posteriorly; thoracic and sacral curvatures are convex posteriorly, increasing spine resilience and flexibility.

  • What are the components of an intervertebral disc?

    Each disc has a nucleus pulposus (inner gelatinous core) and an anulus fibrosus (outer fibrocartilage collar).

  • Name three abnormal spinal curvatures.

    Scoliosis (lateral curvature), kyphosis (exaggerated thoracic curve), and lordosis (exaggerated lumbar curve).

  • What are the common structural features of all vertebrae?

    Body (centrum), vertebral arch (pedicles and laminae), vertebral foramen, spinous process, transverse processes, and superior and inferior articular processes.

  • What distinguishes cervical vertebrae (C3–C7)?

    Small, oval bodies; bifid spinous processes (except C7); large triangular vertebral foramen; transverse foramina for arteries.

  • What is unique about the atlas (C1) vertebra?

    It has no body or spinous process, consists of anterior and posterior arches, and allows the head to nod 'yes' by articulating with occipital condyles.

  • What feature of the axis (C2) allows head rotation?

    The dens (odontoid process) projects superiorly and acts as a pivot for shaking the head 'no.'

  • Describe key features of thoracic vertebrae.

    Heart-shaped bodies with demifacets for rib articulation, circular vertebral foramina, long inferiorly pointing spinous processes, and costal facets on transverse processes.

  • How do lumbar vertebrae differ structurally from cervical and thoracic vertebrae?

    They have massive, kidney-shaped bodies, short thick pedicles and laminae, flat hatchet-shaped spinous processes, and triangular vertebral foramina.

  • What bones form the sacrum and coccyx?

    The sacrum is formed by fusion of five vertebrae (S1–S5); the coccyx is formed by fusion of 3–5 small vertebrae at the spine's terminus.

  • What are the three parts of the sternum?

    Manubrium (superior), body (middle), and xiphoid process (inferior).

  • What is the clinical significance of the xiphoid process?

    It can project posteriorly and be damaged during CPR if hands are placed too low, risking injury to underlying organs.

  • How many pairs of ribs are there and how are they classified?

    12 pairs: true ribs (1–7) attach directly to sternum, false ribs (8–10) attach indirectly, and floating ribs (11–12) have no anterior attachment.

  • What are the main parts of a rib?

    Shaft (with costal groove), head (articulates with vertebrae), neck, and tubercle (articulates with transverse process).

  • What movements are allowed by cervical vertebrae?

    Flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation; they have the greatest range of motion among vertebral regions.

  • How do thoracic vertebrae limit movement?

    Rotation is allowed; lateral flexion is possible but limited by ribs; flexion and extension are restricted.

  • What movement is prevented by lumbar vertebrae?

    Rotation is prevented; they allow flexion, extension, and lateral flexion, providing stability and weight-bearing support.

  • What is the function of the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments?

    They run along the front and back of the vertebral column, preventing hyperextension and hyperflexion.