The Spine

The Spine

1. Functions

   • Support
   • Attachment
   • Surrounds Spinal Cord (Protection)
   • Shock Absorbancy
     • Spinal Curves
     • Intervertebral discs
   • Flexibility

2. Gross Structure

   • 33 Bony Segments
     • 24 Separate Vertebrae
       • Vertebrae increase in size as you go down the vertebral column
     • 9 Fused (Sacrum & Coccyx)
   • Series of Ligaments & Muscles
   • Approx' 1/4 of spinal length is made of intervertebral discs
     • Height variation during the day
     • Compression forces

3. Vertebrae

   • Typical Vertebrae
     • Top Half is called the vertebral body
     • The bottom half is called the vertebral arch
       • It comes to a point called the Spinous Process (the sticky out bit you can feel)
       • The lengths of bone joining to the point are called lamina
       • On either side beneath the vertebral body are transverse processes
   • IV Discs
     • Inside - Nucleus Pulposus
       • Type 2 Collagen
         • 70% Water

4. Zygapophyseal/Facet Joints

   • General Synovial Plane Joints
   • At the Cervical Spine all movements occur
   • At the thoracic Spine Project almost vertical. Lateral Flexion & Rotation occur
   • At the Lumbar Spine Flex/Extension & Lateral Flexion occur

5. Ligaments

   • Longitudinal
     • Anterior
       • Originates from the anterior tubercle of the Atlas (C1) to Pelvic Surface of S1
       • 1/2 mm thick & get wider as it descends
       • Superficial Across Several Vertebra
     • Posterior
       • Originates from the Posterior axis to S1
       • Attaches to each disc
       • Narrower as it desends
   • Accesory
     • Ligamentum Flavum
       • Laminae of Vertebra
       • C1/C2 to L4/L5
       • Yellow, Elastic Tissue
     • Supraspinous
       • Over & connects Spinous processes.
       • Continous with Interspinous ligament
         • Interspinous
           • Relatively weak bands. Stronger in Lumbar Spine.
     • Ligamentum Nuchae
       • Spine of C7 to External Occipital Protuberance
     • Intertransverse
       • Adjacent to Transverse Processes
         • More obvious in Lumbar spine

Images and files in the map