Vertebral Column
Objectives
• Know the organization of the vertebrae and
normal curvatures in the vertebral column.
• Identify the characteristic features of cervical,
thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.
• Identify the parts of Sacrum.
• Differentiate between cervical, thoracic and
lumbar vertebrae.
• Explain the attachment of ligaments to the
vertebral column.
Vertebral Column
• Consists of 31 vertebrae and the
intervening discs
• It appears as straight line
anteroposteriorly, and with
multiple curves laterally
• According to shape and location,
vertebrae can be divided into:
Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
Sacral
• Primary vs Secondary curve
• Spine abnormalities
Vertebral Column
• General structure of vertebra :
Body
Pedicle
Lamina
Spine
Transverse process
Vertebral foramen
Vertebral notch
Superior articulating process
Inferior articulating process
Cervical Vertebrae
• 1st cervical vertebra(Atlas)
No body
No spine
Anterior arch
Posterior arch
• 2nd cervical vertebra (Axis)
looks like typical vertebra
It has odontoid process
(Dens)
Cervical Vertebrae
• Typical cervical vertebra:
Characterized by general structure of vertebra
It has a bifid spine
• 7th cervical vertebra:
Characterized by
general structure
of vertebra
It has no bifid spine
Ligaments of the Spine
•
•
•
•
•
•
Anterior spinal ligament
Posterior spinal ligament
Tectorial membrane
Interspinous ligaments
Supraspinous ligament
Ligamentum flavum
Atlanto axial
Joint
• Between dens and
anterior arch of atlas
• Supported by alar
ligament and cruciate
ligament
• Cruciate ligament
Superior longitudinal
Inferior longitudinal
Transverse
Ligaments of the Spine
•
•
•
•
•
Anterior longitudinal
Posterior longitudinal
Supraspinous
Interspinous
Ligamentum flavum
Thoracic Vertebra
•
•
•
•
•
Heart-shaped body
Long, thin, vertical spine
Round vertebral foramen
Body/foramen ratio almost 2
Superior articulating facets
facing posteriorly
• Body has impression for rib
articulation
Lumbar Vertebra
•
•
•
•
•
Kidney-shaped body
Short, thick, horizontal spine
Tringular vertebral foramen
Body/foramen ratio almost 3-4
Noimpression for rib articulation
The Sacrum
• Identify the following:
Anterior sacral foramina
Transverse lines
Promontory
Ala
Posterior sacral foramina
Median sacral crest
Medial sacral crest
Lateral sacral crest
Sacral hiatus
Cornu
Sacral canal