What are the types of vertebrae?
Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral + coccyx (fused)
How many vertebras are in the cervical?
7
How many vertebras are in the thoracic?
12
How many vertebras are in the coccyx?
4
How many vertebras are in the lumbar?
5
What is the anatomy of the intervertebral discs?
- Lies between vertebral bodies
- Annulus fibrosus (fibrocartilage)
- Nucleus pulposus (gel)
How many vertebras are in the sacral?
5
What are the features of the spine?
- Spinous process
- Anterior mass
- Transverse process
- Facet joints
What are the functions of the intervertebral discs?
- Stability
- Cushioning
What are the joints of the intervertebral discs?
- Fibrocartilaginous
- Synovial, Facet
Which part is the intervertebral disc the thickest?
At the front
Does the annulus fibrosis get wider?
No, the fibres are angled and changes with alternate layers
How does the nucleus pulposus behave?
Hydrostatically
Describe the nucleus pulposus
The centre of disc, is like a liquid
What happens when there is compression in the nucleus pulposus?
- Applied load creates outward
- Pressure in all directions inside the disc
- Increases the tension in the annulus
For every posture is compression or tension greater in vertical load on the annulus fibrosis?
Tension is much greater
What are the ligaments of the spine?
- Anterior & Posterior longitudinal ligaments
- Ligamenta flava
- Intertransverse ligaments
- Interspinous & Supraspinous ligaments
What do the Anterior & Posterior longitudinal ligaments connect to?
Connect vertebral bodies
What do the Ligamenta flava connect to?
Connect laminae
What do the Intertransverse ligaments connect to?
Connect transverse processes
What do the Interspinous & Supraspinous ligaments connect to?
Connect spinous processes
What are the muscles of the spine?
- Erector spinae (superficial)
- Transversospinalis (deep)
What are the movements of the spine
- Flexion & extension –> cervical, thoracic, lumbar
- Lateral flexion (moderate) –> cervical, thoracic (minimal) , lumbar
- Rotation –> Cervical and thoracic
