Week 5: CAI

Question 1

Outline the Vertebral Regions

Answer 1

• 7 x Cervical
• 12 x Thoracic
• 5 x Lumber
• 5 x Sacral - fused
• Coccyx (4 bones fused)

Question 2

What does the vertebral column do?

Answer 2

• Carries and protects the spinal cord and spinal nerves

Question 3

What regions or structures attach to (hang off) the vertebral column?

Answer 3

Head, Upper limbs, Thoracic Cage, pelvis, thoraco-abdominal wall

Question 4

From (and to) where does it transfer weight and forces?

Answer 4

Transmits weight inferiorly via the pelvis + lower limb to ground

Question 5

What can it do with shock forces? What does this help prevent?

Answer 5

Intervertebral discs + Overall shape of column can absorb shock forces and ???

Question 6

Describe the component parts of Typical Vertebra

Answer 6

• Anterior - Body
• Neural arch - Composed of Pedicle, Transverse process, Superior Articular Process (with Articular facets lined with hyaline cartilage to form synovial joints)
• Protecting Vertebral Canal
• Posterior - Spinous process

Question 7

What is C7 also known as, what is its relevance?

Answer 7

• Vertebra Prominens

- Most prominent spinous process in the neck - Palpable - T1 is more prominent

Question 8

What happens to the thoracic vertebral bodies as you move superior to inferior?

Answer 8

• Bodies increase in size

- As each vertebral body must transmit/bear the weight of the one above

Question 9

What is the Nucleus Pulposus?

Answer 9

• Central core of Intervertebral discs - Made up of glycosaminoglycans
• Attracts water + helps maintain rubbery consistency that resists compression
• Surrounded by Anulus fibrosus - Layers of Collagen and fibrocartilage

Question 10

What are the Zygapophyseal joints?

Answer 10

• Vertebral articulation points with each other
• Located between articular facets of adjacent vertebrae
• Simple synovial plane joints
• Facets change orientation from superior-to-inferior

Question 11

What happens if a Zygapophyseal Joint dislocates?

Answer 11

Joints can dislocate leading to vertebral body displacement. May impinge on vertebral canal on spinal cord, potentially affecting neurological function

Question 12

Describe the function of the IV discs

Answer 12

• Forces applied to the vertebral column increase pressure in the nucleus pulposus which in turn increases tension in the anulus fibrosus
• Tension in anulus fibrosus limits movement between vertebral bodies

Question 13

Describe how intervertebral disc herniation occurs

Answer 13

• Relatively mobile nucleus pulposus can rupture through the anulus fibrosus = Disc hernation