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Anatomy & Physiology: Vertebral Column and Thoracic Cage

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Termini in questo insieme (20)

  • What are the regions of the vertebral column?

    The vertebral column has five regions: cervical (C1–C7), thoracic (T1–T12), lumbar (L1–L5), sacrum, and coccyx.

  • What is unique about cervical vertebrae?

    Cervical vertebrae have transverse foramina for vertebral arteries and veins. The first two are specialized as atlas (C1) and axis (C2).

  • What is the odontoid process (dens) and where is it found?

    The odontoid process (dens) is a peg-like projection on the axis (C2) that allows rotation of the head.

  • Name the parts of a generic vertebra.

    Parts include the vertebral body, vertebral foramen, vertebral arch (with laminae and pedicles), spinous process, transverse processes, and articular processes with superior and inferior facets.

  • What are the components of the vertebral arch?

    The vertebral arch consists of laminae and pedicles, forming the sides and roof of the vertebral foramen.

  • What is the function of the intervertebral disc?

    Intervertebral discs act as cushions between vertebrae, composed of an outer annulus fibrosus and an inner gel-like nucleus pulposus.

  • What is the intervertebral foramen?

    The intervertebral foramen is the opening between adjacent vertebrae through which spinal nerves exit the spinal cord.

  • Name the major ligaments of the vertebral column.

    Major ligaments include the anterior longitudinal, posterior longitudinal, ligamentum flavum, and ligamentum nuchae.

  • What is lordosis?

    Lordosis is an abnormal inward curvature of the lumbar spine, often called swayback.

  • What is kyphosis?

    Kyphosis is an excessive outward curvature of the thoracic spine, causing a hunchback appearance.

  • What is scoliosis?

    Scoliosis is a lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine, often with vertebral rotation.

  • What are the parts of the sternum?

    The sternum consists of the manubrium, body (gladiolus), and xiphoid process.

  • What are true ribs?

    True ribs are ribs 1–7 that attach directly to the sternum via their own costal cartilages (vertebro-sternal ribs).

  • What are false ribs?

    False ribs are ribs 8–12; ribs 8–10 attach indirectly to the sternum via cartilage of rib 7 (vertebro-chondral), and ribs 11–12 are floating ribs with no anterior attachment.

  • What is the function of the transverse foramen in cervical vertebrae?

    The transverse foramen allows passage of the vertebral artery, vein, and sympathetic nerves supplying the brain.

  • What are articular facets on vertebrae?

    Articular facets are smooth surfaces on the superior and inferior articular processes that form joints between adjacent vertebrae.

  • What is the ligamentum nuchae?

    The ligamentum nuchae is a strong ligament in the cervical region that supports the head and limits flexion.

  • What is the role of the ligamentum flavum?

    The ligamentum flavum connects adjacent laminae of vertebrae and helps maintain posture by preserving spinal curvature.

  • Which vertebrae form the sacrum?

    The sacrum is formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae and connects the spine to the pelvis.

  • What is the coccyx?

    The coccyx is the small, fused tailbone at the base of the vertebral column, composed of 3-5 fused vertebrae.