AnatomyLesson 3 of 3 in the course Axial Skeleton

Vertebral Column: Regions, Curves, Vertebrae, Discs, and Ligaments

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

The vertebral column, also called the spine or spinal column, is a flexible support for the head and body and protects the spinal cord. This lesson introduces its regions and explains how its curves support movement and absorb shock.

The vertebral column begins development as a series of 33 vertebrae. In the adult, it consists of 24 separate vertebrae, plus the fused sacrum and coccyx. Vertebrae are named for their region and numbered from top to bottom.

All flashcards

Which spinal curves are primary?
The thoracic and sacrococcygeal curves, which are retained from fetal development.
What structures form a typical vertebral arch?
Two pedicles and two laminae.
What are the main parts of an intervertebral disc?
A tough outer annulus fibrosus and a softer, gel-like nucleus pulposus.
What is sciatica in the context of lumbar disc herniation?
Pain radiating from the lower back down the thigh and into the leg.
What does the nuchal ligament do?
It supports the skull and helps prevent the head from falling forward.

Quiz questions

  1. Which description identifies kyphosis as defined in spinal anatomy?Answer: Excessive posterior curvature of the thoracic region.
  2. Which feature distinguishes scoliosis from an exaggerated sagittal spinal curve?Answer: An abnormal lateral curve accompanied by twisting of the vertebral column.
  3. What may happen when a herniated disc compresses a spinal nerve?Answer: Pain or muscle weakness may occur in regions supplied by that nerve.
  4. Which feature is associated with C2, the axis?Answer: It bears the dens, which acts as a pivot for head rotation.
  5. What movement does the anterior longitudinal ligament help resist?Answer: Excessive backward bending of the vertebral column.

Based on Anatomy and Physiology 2e by J. Gordon Betts, Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Eddie Johnson, Brandon Poe, Dean H. Kruse, Oksana Korol, Jody E. Johnson, Mark Womble, Peter DeSaix (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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