HUBS1108 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Meninges, Hyaline Cartilage, Venous Plexus
30 May 2018
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HUBS1108 – VERTEBRAL COLUMN
LEARNING OBJECTIVES - VERTEBRAL COLUMN
• Describe the features of the vertebral bones and how these features differ between
vertebral regions
• List the regions of the vertebral column and how many bones are present in each region
• List and classify the joints present in the vertebral column
• Name the ligaments present in the vertebral column and describe their function
• Describe the formation of the vertebral canal
The Vertebral Column
• A column of vertebral bones located medially
o 33 bones
• Functions
o support
• Weigh bearing for the trunk and head
• Transmit forces to lower limbs
o Movement
• Limited movement between vertebrae but additive movement occurs along the
column
o Protection
• Of the spinal cord
Curatives of the Vertebral Column
• Primary curve
o Concave anteriorly
o Thoracic and sacral regions
o Born with it
• Secondary curvature
o Concave posteriorly
o Cervical and lumbar regions
o Secondary curvatures bring the centre of gravity back to the middle and balances the
body in a way that minimises energy expenditure during standing.
• Created by variations in the size and shape of the vertebral bones
• Developmental stages
o Cervical curvature when babies can hold up their Heads
o Lumbar curvature when infants begin walking
Typical Vertebra
• Body
o Anteriorly located
o Weight bearing component
o Increases in size from C1 to L5
• Vertebral arch
o Attached to body vial pedicles
o Formed by two laminae
o Aligned along column to form the vertebral canal
o Contain spinous & transverse processes
o Contain superior and inferior articular surfaces
Regions of the Vertebral Column
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• Cervical
o 7 vertebrae
• Thoracic
o 12 vertebrae
• Lumbar
o 5 lumbar vertebrae
• Sacrum
o 5 fused vertebrae
• Coccyx
o 3-4 fused vertebrae
Regional Vertebrae
• Regional distances exist in vertebral bones
o Cervical
• Small bones with foramina in the transverse process
o Thoracic
• Articulate with the ribs
o Lumbar
• Skeletal support of posterior abdominal wall and weight bearing for the trunk
Cervical Vertebrae
Seven small vertebral bones with foramen in the transverse process
• Short, square vertebral body
• Expanded transverse processes with foramen transversearium
o Passage of vertebral artery
• Short and bifid spinous process
• Triangular vertebral canal
Thoracic Vertebrae
Twelve vertebral bones characterised by additional articular surfaces for the ribs
• Heart-shaped vertebral body, two demi facets for articulation with heads of ribs
• Transverse process has facet for articulation with tubercle of rib
• Long, thin ,spinous processes
Lumbar Vertebrae
Five large, dense bones characterised by their significant vertebral body
• Thick, cylindrical vertebral body
• Long, thin transverse processes without articulating surfaces
• Short, horizontal spinous processes
• Large, triangular vertebral canal
Sacrum and Coccyx
• Formed by 5 fused sacral vertebra
• Superiorly articulates with the L5 vertebral bone
o Intervertebral disc
o Promontory edge
• Inferiorly articulated with the coccyx
o Sacrococcygeal joint for articulation
• Foramina present for passage of spinal nerves
• Lateral wing-shaped expansions for articulation with pelvic bones
o Ala processes
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