Skip to main content
Back

Anatomy & Physiology: Vertebral Column and Appendicular Skeleton

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/27

Terms in this set (27)

  • How many bones make up the vertebral column and how are they grouped?
    The vertebral column has 33 bones: 24 remain separate for flexibility, and 9 fuse to form the sacrum and coccyx.
  • What are the normal curvatures of the vertebral column?
    Cervical and lumbar curvatures are concave; thoracic and sacral curvatures are convex, providing resilience and flexibility.
  • List the three main functions of the vertebral column.
    Weight-bearing, anchoring muscles and ligaments, and protecting the spinal cord.
  • What are the major ligaments supporting the vertebral column and their functions?
    Anterior longitudinal ligament prevents hyperextension; posterior longitudinal ligament prevents hyperflexion.
  • Describe the structure and function of intervertebral discs.
    Discs cushion vertebrae, absorb shock, and allow flexibility; composed of a central nucleus pulposus and outer annulus fibrosus.
  • What forms the vertebral arch and what does it enclose?
    The vertebral arch is formed by 2 pedicles and 2 laminae; it encloses the vertebral foramen.
  • What passes through the intervertebral foramina?
    Spinal nerves pass through the intervertebral foramina formed by notches on pedicles.
  • Name the seven processes of a typical vertebra.
    1 spinous process, 2 transverse processes, 2 superior articular processes, and 2 inferior articular processes.
  • What are the unique features of cervical vertebrae C3-C7?
    Oval body broader side-to-side, short split spinous process (except C7), large vertebral foramen, and transverse foramina for vertebral arteries.
  • What distinguishes the atlas (C1) vertebra?
    No body or spinous process; has anterior and posterior neural arches and lateral masses; allows 'yes' head movement.
  • What is the dens (odontoid process) and which vertebra has it?
    A pivot process on the axis (C2) that allows rotation of the head ('no' movement).
  • Describe the thoracic vertebrae characteristics.
    12 vertebrae with rib facets, heart-shaped body, circular vertebral foramen, long spinous process pointing downward.
  • What are the key features of lumbar vertebrae?
    Large kidney-shaped bodies, short thick pedicles and laminae, flat short spinous processes, and triangular vertebral foramen.
  • What bones fuse to form the sacrum and coccyx?
    Sacrum forms from 5 fused sacral vertebrae; coccyx forms from 3-4 fused coccygeal vertebrae.
  • What are the components of the bony thorax?
    Thoracic vertebrae, ribs, costal cartilages, and sternum forming a protective cage for heart and lungs.
  • Name the three parts of the sternum.
    Manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.
  • How many ribs are there and how are they classified?
    12 pairs: 7 true ribs attach directly to sternum, 3 false ribs attach indirectly, and 2 floating ribs have no anterior attachment.
  • What is the pectoral girdle composed of?
    Two clavicles and two scapulae forming the shoulder girdle.
  • Describe the scapula's key landmarks.
    Acromion, coracoid process, glenoid cavity, superior, medial, and lateral borders, and spine.
  • What bones make up the upper limb?
    Humerus (arm), radius and ulna (forearm), carpals (wrist), metacarpals, and phalanges (hand).
  • What is the function of the olecranon on the ulna?
    It forms the elbow's bony prominence and prevents hyperextension.
  • How many bones are in the hand and wrist combined?
    27 bones: 8 carpals, 5 metacarpals, and 14 phalanges.
  • What bones form the pelvic girdle?
    Two hip bones (os coxae), each formed by fusion of ilium, ischium, and pubis.
  • What is the acetabulum?
    The socket formed by the fusion of ilium, ischium, and pubis that articulates with the femur head.
  • What are the main bones of the lower limb?
    Femur (thigh), patella (knee), tibia and fibula (leg), tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges (foot).
  • Which tarsal bone is the largest and which is second largest?
    Calcaneus is the largest; talus is the second largest.
  • How many phalanges are in the big toe compared to other toes?
    Big toe has 2 phalanges; other toes have 3 each.