Vertebral Column

Do NowType 2 Writing4 minutes to write 5 things from last class

SpineThe spine (vertebral column) spans from the

base of the spine, all the way to the pelvisFunction – Major core support and protects the

spinal cordCurvature

Kyphosis (hunch back) Lordosis

Spine24 single vertebrae make up the spine

An additional 2 fused bones at the bottom (sacrum and coccyx) help provide a flexible curved structure

What are the 3 different types of vertebrae? Cervical Vertebrae Thoracic Vertebrae Lumbar Vertebrae

Cervical Vertebrae7 Cervical Vertebrae

C1 – C7

Superior portion of the spineC1 and C2 are commonly referred to as…

Atlas Axis

Smaller than the rest of the vertebrae

Thoracic Vertebrae12 Thoracic Vertebrae

T1 – T12

The only vertebrae that articulate with the ribsBody of the Vertebrae is slightly larger than

that of the Cervical Vertebrae

Lumbar Vertebrae5 total lumbar vertebrae

L1 – L5

Large, block-like bodiesMost sturdy of all the vertebrae

SpineTo help remember the number of bones in the

vertebrae, remember common meal times 7am 12 noon 5pm

Intervertebral DisksBetween each vertebrae lie intervertebral disksEach disk is composed of strong, fibrous tissue

Inside the fibrous tissue lies a semifluid nucleus

Function – Shock absorption

Injuries of the SpineHerniated DiskCervical Sprain (Whiplash)Spina Bifida

Herniated DiskDisks, specifically lumbar, are subjected to

constant, intense stressStress can cause degeneration, tears and

cracks in fibrous disk tissueTears in the tissue can cause the fluid to fall

out and compress the nerves of the spinal cord

Disk Herniation

Cervical Sprain (Whiplash)Occurs from a sudden snap of the headPain might not be present initially, but almost

always appears the day after the trauma

Spina BifidaA birth defect when the vertebrae do not form

around the spinal cordMild cases might not need treatmentSevere cases can require surgery

Spina Bifida

HomeworkAnswer Questions 14-16 on pg. 158 (?)