3. Vertebrae

Question 1

which vertebrae are smallest/largest

Answer 1

cervical = smallest
thoracic = intermediate
lumbar = largest

Question 2

name 2 characteristic features of cervical vertebrae

Answer 2

1. bifid spinous process (C2-C6)

2. transverse foramina in small transverse processes

Question 3

what passes through the transverse foramina of the cervical spine

Answer 3

vertebral artery and vein enter at C6 (go into foramen magnum)

(C7 foramen only transmit accessory vertebral vein)

Question 4

name 2 characteristic features of thoracic vertebrae

Answer 4

1. long spinous processes mostly project inferiorly
2. articular facets for ribs:
   - demi-facets (T2-T8) or whole facets (T9-T10) on sides of body for articulation with head of rib
   - costal facets on transverse processes for articulation with tubercle of rib

Question 5

name 2 characteristic features of lumbar vertebrae

Answer 5

1. short blunt spinous process projecting posteriorly

2. large kidney-shaped vertebral body

Question 6

describe the orientation of the vertebral articular facets and the movements these allow

Answer 6

cervical
- superior: posterosuperior; inferior: anteroinferior

thoracic

• superior: posterolateral; inferior: anteromedial
• permits rotation, limits flexion

lumbar

• superior: medial; inferior: lateral
• permits flexion/extension, limits rotation

Question 7

name 3 characteristic features of atlas

Answer 7

1- no vertebral body
2- no spinous process
3- widest cervical vertebra

Question 8

name the articulations of C1 and the movements these allow

Answer 8

1. C1 superior facets with occipital condyles of skull (atlanto-occipital joint) - 50% total flexion/extension (nodding)
2. C1 inferior facets with C2 superior facets (atlanto-axial joint) + articular facet for dens - 50% total rotation (shaking)

Question 9

name 3 characteristic feature of axis

Answer 9

1- odontoid process/dens
2- rugged lateral mass
3- large spinous process

Question 10

what supports the atlas-odontoid process articulation

Answer 10

transverse ligament

Question 11

what is the function of the odontoid process and transverse ligament

Answer 11

1. allows lateral rotation

2. prevents horizontal displacement of atlas

Question 12

what are the special characteristics of C7

Answer 12

1- longest spinous process (not bifid)

2- large transverse process but small foramen transversarium - only transmits accessory vertebral veins