How many vertebrae make up the vertebral column?
The vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae.
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Name three distinguishing characteristics of vertebrae from the thoracic region.
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Thoracic vertebrae have:
- Heart shaped vertebral bodies with costal facets for articulation with the ribs
- Long transverse processes (T1-10 have facets for articulation with the ribs)
- Demifacets
- The spinous process is long and points inferiorly
- Transverse process have costal facets
Which vertebrae have a transverse foramen?
| Cervical vertebrae have a transverse foramen. |
Names the structure which passes through the transverse foramen.
| The vertebral arteries, vertebral veins and sympathetic plexus pass through the transverse foramen of the first 6 cervical vertebrae. A second vertebral vein and sympathetic plexus pass through the transverse foramen of the 7th cervical vertebrae. |
What are the intervertebral discs composed of?
| Intervertebral discs are composed of an outer ring of concentric layers of fibrocartilage – the ‘annulus fibrosus’ and a gelatinous core the ‘nucleus pulposus’. |
Describe the characteristic features of each vertebra?
Describe the function of the intervertebral discs.
| Intervertebral discs lie between the vertebral bodies of adjacent vertebrae forming secondary cartilaginous joints which absorb compressive forces. |
Which ligament prevents hyperflexion of the vertebral column?
| <p>The posterior longitudinal ligament prevents hyperflexion of the vertebral column.</p>
<p>It is attached to the posterior aspect of the vertebral column.</p> |
What is the significance of the attachment of the posterior longitudinal ligament to the discs?
| The attachment of the posterior longitudinal ligament to the intervertebral disc helps to reinforce the posterior aspect of the annulus fibrosus. However, as this ligament is thinner laterally, most disc herniations therefore occur in a posterolateral direction. |
What is the ligamentum flavum?
| The ligamentum flavum unites adjacent laminae. It limits flexion of the vertebral column, assists in extending the spine after flexion and helps to preserve the curvatures of the vertebral column. |
Name two tumours which commonly metastasize to the vertebrae
Tumours from the breast, abdomen and pelvic areas may metastasize to the vertebrae as blood may return to the heart from the pelvis and abdomen via the vertebral venous plexuses and via the azygous veins to the SVC.
