The vertebral column

• Vertebral column is described by the terms such as the spine or spinal column or backbone.
• Vertebral column forms the central axis of the body.
• Vertebral column is made up of a sequence of vertebrae.
• The average length of vertebral column in adult male is 70 cm and in adult female is 60 cm.
• Vertebral column extends from the cranium to the coccyx.
• The main function of the vertebral column is for the protection of the spinal cord.
• Functions of the vertebral column

  • It provides structural support and balance to maintain a upright structure
  • Allows motion such as nodding
• There is 33 vertebra in the vertebral column

  it is divided into 5 regions.

  1. Cervical- 7
  2. Thoracic- 12
  3. Lumbar – 5
  4. Sacral- 5 (fused)
  5. Coccyx- 4 (fused)
• Typical vertebrae consists of 3 Parts

  1. Body
  2. Pedicles
  3. lamina.

  7 processes:

  • 2 transverse processes
  • 1 spinous process
  • 4 articular processes
• Fill in the blank

  A) Spinous process

  B) Lamina

  C) Superior articular processes

  D) Pedicles

  E) Transverse processes

  
• Spinous processes

  • each vertebra has a single spinous process
  • centred posteriorly at the point of the arch.
• Transverse processes

  • each vertebra has two transverse processes, which extend laterally and posteriorly from the vertebral body.
  • In the thoracic vertebrae, the transverse processes articulate with the ribs
• Pedicles

  • connect the vertebral body to the transverse processes.
• Lamina connects the transverse and spinous processes.
• Articular processes form joints between one vertebra and its superior and inferior counterparts
• Fill in the blank

  A) Intervertebral disc

  B) Intervertebral foramen

  C) Vertebral foramen

  
• Cervical Vertebrae

  • Total 7 vertebrae in the cervical region
  • C1: Atlas – ring-like shape
  • C2: Axis – smaller, triangular vertebral foramen
  • C3~C6 – Typical cervical vertebra
  • C7 – Vertebra prominent
  • Function: provide mobility and stability to the head.
  • IMPORTANT FEATURES: Bifid spine, transverse process, transverse foramen.
• The transverse processes of cervical vertebrae possess a foramen called foramen transversarium(transverse foramen) for the passage of a vertebral artery (except for C.V.7) to supply the brain.
• • The foramen transversarium is the cardinal feature of the cervical vertebrae
• C1 – Atlas

  • Ring shaped
  • Lack of body (fused with body of C2)
  • No spinous process
• Fill in the blank

  A) Atlas

  
• C2 - Axis

  • Have peg like processes called dens or odontoid process
• Fill in the blank

  A) Axis

  
• Vertebra prominens (C7)

  • Spine is long, thick, horizontal and not bifid
  • Transverse process is large and contains foramen transversarium which transmits accessory vertebral vein
  • Transverse process has only posterior tubercle
• Cervical Spondylosis

  • Definition: Common neck condition characterized by degenerative changes.
  • Onset: Typically appears in the third decade of life.
  • Affected Structures: Initially involves the intervertebral disc; later affects facet and uncovertebral joints.
  • Common Site: Most frequently involves the disc space between C5 and C6.
  • Consequences: Causes restricted neck movements and nerve root pain.
• Thoracic Vertebrae

  • 12 vertebral connected with intervertebral discs
  • Heart-shaped
  • Increase in size as descends downwards to the lumbar vertebrae, spinous process project downwards.
  • Function: hold the rib cage and protect the heart and lungs
  • The articular facets on the sides of the body form the cardinal feature of thoracic vertebrae
• Fill in the blank (Thoracic Vertebrae)

  A) facets

  B) facets

  
• Lumbar Vertebrae

  • 5 vertebra
  • Kidney shaped when viewed superiorly
  • Larger and heavier than other vertebral bodies
  • Increasing diameter
  • Function: protect the spinal cord and nerves from injury and provide a measure of support
• Lumbar Puncture

  • It is a procedure by which CSF sample is withdrawn between the spines of L3 and L4 vertebrae.
• Fill in the blank

  A) 2 transverse

  B) long

  C) bifid

  
• Sacrum vertebrae

  • It is a triangular wedge-shaped bone formed by the fusion of five rudimentary sacral vertebrae.
  • The upper aspect of the body of the 1st sacral vertebra articulates with the body of the 5th lumbar vertebra.
  • On each side, the upper part of sacrum articulates with the ilium to form the strong sacroiliac joint.
  • The inferior tip of the sacrum articulates with the base of the coccyx
• Fill in the blank

  A) 5th lumbar vertebra

  B) ilium

  C) pubic symphysis

  D) coccyx

  
• Coccyx Vertebrae

  • Also called tailbone
  • Triangular in shape and formed through the fusion of 4 bones
  • Function as stabilizing a person while in a sitting position
  • Women having a coccyx pain more than male
• Intervertebral Discs Anatomy

  • 23 intervertebral discs separate, anchor, and cushion each vertebra.
  • However, there is no intervertebral disc between C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis), or between the sacrum and coccyx bones.
  • These fibrocartilage pads, which absorb shocks, gradually become thicker over time
  • They consist of two main parts: nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus
• Intervertebral disc are positioned between neighboring vertebrae from the second cervical vertebra down to the sacrum, providing support and flexibility.
• Fill in the blank

  A) Nucleus pulposus

  B) Annulus fibrosus

  
• Disc Prolapse

  • known as herniation of disc or slipped disc.
  • very common in the lumbar region.
  • The patient experiences severe back pain.
  • The movements of vertebral column are restricted due to muscle spasm.
  • MRI scanning demonstrates the disc not in the normal position
• Development of vertebral curves

  • In the fetus, there is a single concave curve.
  • At 3 months after birth when infant lifts head as it begins to crawl the cervical curve develops.
  • When child sits up, stands and walks the lumbar curve develops.
• In adult, it shows four slight bends called normal curve:

  • Cervical and lumbar curve are convex
  • Thoracic and sacral curve are concave
• note