Vertebrae
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I). Division & Curvatures
A). Divisions
1). cervical
2). thoracic
3). lumbar
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(remember meal-times 7-12-5)
4). sacrum
5). coccyx
B). Curvatures: Increase flexibility
1). cervical curvature
2). thoracic curvature
3). lumbar curvature
4). sacral curvature
C). Abnormal Curvatures
1). scoliosis
2). kyphosis
3). lordosis
II). ligaments
A). anterior longitudinal ligaments
B). posterior longitudinal ligaments
III). Discs
Intervertebral Discs
IV). Intervertebral foramina
Intervertebral foramina allow for the passage of spinal nerves
V). Vertebrae
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A). vertebral body
B). vertebral arch is formed from:
1). pedicles extend from the body
2). laminae extend from pedicles & fuse in the midline.
C). vertebral foramen a large opening for the passage of the spinal cord formed from the pedicles. combined together form the vertebral canal.
D). Processes
1). spinous processes
2). transverse processes
3). superior & inferior processes
VI). Regional Vertebral Differences
A). cervical vertebrae (C1 to C7)
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1). General Characteristics (C3-C7)
(Unique characteristic):
| Transverse foramen (opening) along side the transverse processes. |
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2). C1called the atlas
a). No body
b). No spinous processes
c). Large lateral inferior and superior articulating facets
The superior articulating facets articulates to the occipital condyles.
3). C2 called the axis.
| It is identified by the Dens or |
B). thoracic vertebrae (T1 to T12)
1). All thoracic vertebrae articulate with the ribs.
2). Long spinous process that curves inferiorly.
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C). lumbar vertebrae (L1 to L5)
1). Large body
2). Short flat spinal processes
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VII). Sacrum (S1 to S5)
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A). anterior
1). sacral promontory
2). ventral sacral foramina
B). posterior
1). median sacral crest:
2). dorsal sacral
3). sacral canal
4). sacral hiatus:
VIII). Coccyx
skeleton from http://www.rpg-project.com/pages/povani.htm