Anatomy of the vertebrae
By: Dr. Mamdouh Basheir
Cervical vertebrae
Typical (3rd, 4th, 5th& 6th)
Last (7th)
Cervical vertebrae
Cervical vertebrae
st
1
Inferior view
(ATLAS)
Superior view
Cervical vertebrae
st
1
(ATLAS)
Superior view
Cervical vertebrae
st
1
(ATLAS)
Cervical vertebrae
nd
2
(AXIS)
Cervical vertebrae
nd
2
(AXIS)
Atlanto axial joints
Median atlanto-axial joint
Articulation
Type

Dense (odontoid process of axis)

Articular facet on back of anterior arch of atlas

Transverse ligament of atlas
synovial pivot
Lateral atlanto-axial joint
synovial plane
Atlanto axial joints
Ligaments
1)
Transverse ligament of atlas
2)
Cruciate ligament
LIGAMENTS CONNECTING AXIS TO BASE OF
SKULL
1. Membrana tectoria
2. Vertical band of cruciate ligament
3. Apical ligament
4. Alar ligaments
Membrana
tectoria
Apical
ligament
Alar ligament
Posterior
longitudinal
lig.
Atlanto occipital joint
Articulation
Type
Movement

Flexion &
extension

Small lateral
flexion

Above: occipital condyle

Below: superior articular facet of atlas

synovial ellipsoid
Atlanto occipital joint
Ligaments

Anterior atlanto-occipital membrane

Posterior atlanto-occipital membrane
Atlanto occipital joint
Ligaments
Atlanto occipital joint
Ligaments
Ant. view
Post. view
Any Vertebra (OSPE)
• Direct question (Identify this vertebra)
• Indirect question:
1. Identify the attached ligament
2. Identify the structure related
3. Identify the structure passing through this
foramen
4. Identify name and type of the related joint
Median atlanto axial J
Syn pivot
Related to dens
Transverse lig
Atlanto occipital J
Syn condyloid
Lat atlanto axial J
Syn plane
Ligamentum nuchae
Ant long lig
Ant atlanto occipital memb
Post atlanto-occipital memb
Vertebral A
Dorsal ramus of C1
Vertebral vessels
Median atlanto axial J
Lateral atlanto axial J
Anterior long lig
Transverse lig
Alar lig
Apical lig
Cruciate lig Post long lig
Ligamentum flavum
Lig nuchae
Vertebral vessels
Facet joint (syn plane)
Intervertebral disc
Annulus fibrosis &
nucleus bulbosus
2ry cartilaginous J
Anterior long lig
Post long lig
Ligamentum flavum
Lig nuchae
Vertebral vessels
Spinal cord
Meninges
Vertebral plexus of veins
Ant Spinal A
Post spinal A
Facet joint (syn plane
Intervertebral disc
2ry cartilaginous J
Anterior long lig
Post long lig
Ligamentum flavum
Interspinous lig
Accessory Vertebral vein
Spinal cord
Meninges
Vertebral plexus of veins
Ant Spinal A
Post spinal A
THORACIC VERTEBRA
LUMBAR VERTEBRA
LUMBAR VERTEBRA
Typical (1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th
LUMBAR VERTEBRA
Typical (1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th)
Last L5
•
•
•
•
Facet for articulation with tubercle of rib
Facet articulating with head of corresponding rib
Facet articulating with head of rib below
Facets for articulation with vert above and below
All these joints are synovial plane
• Ant long ligament
• Inter-spinous lig
• Supra-spinous lig
• 2ry cartilaginous joint:
Annulus fibosus & nucleus bulbosus
• Ligamentum flavum
• Inters-spinous lig
• Supra-spinous lig
• inter-transverse lig
• Costo-transverse lig
• Anterior long ligament
• Posterior long lig
SACRUM