Anatomy and Cell Biology 3319 Lecture : Anatomy Notes

• School: Western University
• Department: Anatomy and Cell Biology
• Course: Anatomy and Cell Biology 3319
• Professor: Peter Merrifield

Document Summary

The vertebral column consists of 26 distinct bones 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 1 sacral, 1 coccyx. Functions of vertebral column support of body axis, protects spinal cord, attachment of ribs and muscles. The vertebrae get larger from the cervical to lumbar region. Ligaments attach bones to bones, and ligaments in the spine hold vertebrae in register in relation to discs. The anterior longitudinal ligament runs along the length of the vertebrae, it is wide, it attaches to bony vertebrae and intervertebral discs, and it prevents over extension. The posterior longitudinal ligament runs the length of it, it is narrow and cord-like, it attaches to intervertebral discs, and it prevents over flexion. The ligamentum flavum connects the lamina of adjacent vertebrae. Intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers and they are composed of an inner sphere, the nucleus pulposus (soft inner core), and an outer core, the annulus fibrosus (tough outer covering).