Vertebral ColumnBy: Alex Bond, Rob DeSanctis, Athina Krimitzi and Maria Spinosi

Name the Parts of the Vertebral column

Spine5 regionsFunction: axial support for the body and balanceProtect spinal cordFlexible motionAlso known as vertebral column

Cervical Vertebrae7 cervical vertebraeIdentified as C1-C7First 2 are called atlas and axis because they perform different functions

ThoracicLarger than cervical vertebraeArticulate to ribsT1-T12

LumbarL1-L5Massive block-like bodiesShort-hatchet shaped spinous processSturdiest

SacralFusion of 5 vertebraeAla connects to hipForms pelvic posterior wallSuperior to coccyxIt is between the two hip bones connecting the spine to the pelvisEnds the vertebral canal

CoccyxTailboneFusion of 3-5 irreglar invertabrae Remnant of the tail that other vertebrae animals have

Explain how the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae differ from one another

CervicalNeck regionProtects the brain stem and the spinal cordSupports the skullVery mobileIs responsible for movement of the headAllows for a wide range of movement

ThoracicThoracic cavityRib attachments and longer spinous processes add to the thoracic strengthThese structures make the thoracic spine more stable and larger than the cervical or lumbar regions

Thoracic Distinguished because they are the only vertebrae to articulate with the ribsThe spinous process is long and hooks sharply downwardThe rib cage and ligament system limit the thoracic spines range of motion and protects vital organs.

LumbarLower backLarger range of motion than the thoracic, less than the cervicalJoints allow for significant flexion and extension movement but limits rotation

LumbarHave massive blocklike bodiesShort hatchet shaped spinous processes Because they have the most stress, they are sturdiest

Discuss the importance of intervertebral discs and spinal curvatures

Intervertebral DiscsPads of flexible fibrocartilage which separate individual vertebraeCushion vertebrae, absorb shocks, allow for spine flexibility

Changes in DiscsStructure changes with ageIn a young person, ~90% is waterSpongy and flexibleWater content decreases with age, discs become harder and less compressibleMore susceptible to herniated, or slipped, discs

CurvaturesPrimaryCurvatures of the thoracic and sacral regionsPresent at birthC-shape of a newbornSecondaryCurvatures of cervical and lumbar regionsDevelop after birthAllow us to center body weight on lower limbsCervical - Baby begins to raise headLumbar - Baby begins to walk Discs and S-shaped structure prevent shock to the head when we walk or run, make the body flexible

Identify the joints that connect bones of the vertebral column

Facet JointsEach vertebra has two sets of facet joints. One pair faces upward (superior articular facet) and one downward (inferior articular facet). There is one joint on each side (right and left).Facet joints are hingelike and link vertebrae together.They are synovial joints. This means each joint is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue and produces a fluid to nourish and lubricate the joint.The joint surfaces are coated with cartilage allowing joints to move or glide smoothly articulate against each other.

Lumbo-sacral JointsSpecial joint between S1 and L5The lumbosacral region of the spine consists of 5 lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum (5 bones joined together).The sacral segment is inclined anteriorly and inferiorly forms an angel with the horizontal called the lumbo-sacral angle

Explain how the abnormal spinal curvatures differ from one another

Scoliosis, Lordosis & KyphosisScoliosisa sideways curvature of the spine. These curves are often S- or C-shaped.Lordosisinward curve of the lumbar spine (just above the buttocks).Kyphosisoutward curve of the thoracic spine (at the level of the ribs)

Video!http://www.spineuniverse.com/anatomy/spinal-anatomy-animation

Referenceshttp://www.coloradospineinstitute.com/subject.php?pn=anatomy-spinalregions14http://rebuildhealth.com/casestudy2.htmlhttp://www.spineuniverse.com/anatomy/facet-joints-spine-anatomyhttp://www.spineuniverse.com/anatomy/spinal-anatomy-animationA&P Textbook

Atlas has no body and allows you to nod yesAxis acts as the pivot for the rotation- Dens is pivot point1-Vertebral Body 2-Spinous Process 3-Transverse Facet 4-Pedicle 5-Foramen 6-Lamina 7-Superior FacetSpinous process of a vertebra is directed backward and downward from the junction of the laminae (in humans), and serves for the attachment of muscles and ligaments