MEDRADSC 2D03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Lumbar Vertebrae, Thoracic Vertebrae, Kyphosis

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Medical Radiation Sciences
• Course: MEDRADSC 2D03
• Professor: Sandra Charbonneau

Document Summary

Divided into 5 groups: cervical (7, thoracic (12, sacral (5, coccygeal (4) 33 vertebrae in children, 26 vertebrae in adults. Kyphosis = posterior curve of the thoracic spine. Lordosis = anterior curve of cervical & lumbar spine. Scoliosis = abnormal amount of lateral bending; exaggeration of small curves in medial/lateral alignment. Rotoscoliosis = have the exaggerated curve but the vertebral bodies are also rotated upon themselves. Inferior & superior articulating facets to form joints of vertebral arches b/n vertebral bodies. Many bones = vertebrae; singular = vertebra. Facet joint = articular surface where 2 bones can rub against each other = posterior. Anterior articulations = where the body"s of the vertebrae articulate w the one beneath/above it. Once discs degenerate, the superior portion of the joint moves down & causes nerves to get impinged (back pain) & posterior articulations of the facets are not fitting properly. Begins w medulla oblongata at base of the skull.