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Anatomy Coloring Book - Page 41

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Anatomy Coloring Book - Page 41

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2 Vertebral Column

The vertebral column (spine) forms the central axis of the human Additionally, adjacent articulated vertebrae are secured by
body, highlighting the segmental nature of all vertebrates, and is ligaments, and their individual vertebral bodies are separated
composed of 33 vertebrae distributed as follows: by fibrocartilaginous intervertebral discs (IVD). The IVD acts
• Cervical vertebrae: 7 total, with the first two called the atlas as a shock absorber and compresses and expands slightly in
(C1) and axis (C2) response to weight bearing. The central portion of the IVD is a
• Thoracic vertebrae: 12 total, each articulating with a pair of ribs gelatinous nucleus pulposus that is surrounded by concentric
• Lumbar vertebrae: 5 total, large vertebrae to support the layers of fibrocartilage called the anulus fibrosus. As the result
body’s weight of excessive pressure or dehydration associated with aging,
• Sacrum: 5 fused vertebrae the anulus can begin to weaken and the nucleus pulposus can
• Coccyx: 4 total vertebrae, Co1 often not fused but Co2-Co4 herniate (“slipped disc”) through the cartilaginous lamellae and
are fused, a remnant of our embryonic tail impinge on a nerve root as it exits the spinal cord (see Plate 2-7).

Viewed from the lateral aspect, one can identify the:


• Cervical curvature (cervical lordosis): acquired secondarily COLOR the key ligaments observed in a lateral “cutaway”
when the infant can support the weight of its own head view of several adjacent vertebrae:
• Thoracic curvature (thoracic kyphosis): a primary curvature ■ 6. Intervertebral discs: fibrocartilaginous discs between
present in the fetus adjacent bodies
• Lumbar curvature (lumbar lordosis): acquired secondarily
when the infant assumes an upright posture
■ 7. Anterior longitudinal ligament: connects adjacent
bodies and the IVD along their anterior aspect
• Sacral curvature: a primary curvature present in the fetus
■ 8. Posterior longitudinal ligament: connects adjacent
A “typical” vertebra has several consistent features: bodies and IVD along their posterior aspect
• Body: weight-bearing portion that tends to increase in size as ■ 9. Supraspinous ligament: between adjacent spinous
one descends the spine processes
• Arch: projection formed by paired pedicles and laminae ■ 10. Interspinous ligament: between adjacent spinous
• Transverse processes: lateral extensions from the union of the processes
pedicle and lamina
• Articular processes (facets): two superior and two inferior
■ 11. Ligamenta flava: connect adjacent laminae; contain
elastic fibers
facets for articulation
• Spinous process: projection that extends posteriorly from the
union of two laminae
Clinical Note:
• Vertebral notches: superior and inferior features that in
Accentuated curvatures of the spine may occur congenitally
articulated vertebrae form intervertebral foramina
or be acquired. Scoliosis is an accentuated lateral and rota-
• Intervertebral foramina: traversed by spinal nerve roots and
tional curve of the thoracic or lumbar spine, more common in
associated vessels
adolescent girls. Hunchback is an accentuated kyphosis of
• Vertebral foramen (canal): formed from the vertebral arch and
the thoracic spine, usually from poor posture or osteoporosis.
body, the foramen contains the spinal cord and its meningeal
Swayback is an accentuated lordosis of the lumbar spine, usu-
coverings
ally from weakened trunk muscles or obesity, but also commonly
• Transverse foramina: apertures that exist in transverse
seen in late pregnancy.
processes of cervical vertebrae and transmit vertebral vessels

COLOR the following features of a typical vertebra, using a


different color for each feature:
■ 1. Body
■ 2. Transverse process
■ 3. Articular facets
■ 4. Spinous process
■ 5. Arch

Plate 2-5 See Netter: Atlas of Human Anatomy, 6th Edition, Plates 153, 155, and 159. Skeletal System

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