What is kyphosis?
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An exaggeration in the thoracic curvature.
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What is kyphosis?
An exaggeration in the thoracic curvature.
What is the condition characterized by shooting pain along the cutaneous distribution of the sciatic nerve?
Sciatica.
Who is Prof. Ghada Wassif?
A professor known for her contributions in her field.
What can cause lordosis?
Increased weight of abdominal content, such as a gravid uterus or ovarian tumor.
What does the cruciate ligament consist of?
A strong transverse ligament and a vertical band.
Which terminal branch of the sciatic nerve is mainly affected in sciatica?
The common peroneal nerve.
What type of movements do the joints between vertebral arches allow?
Gliding movements.
What does the vertical band of the cruciate ligament connect?
From the body of the axis to the cranial surface of the occipital bone.
What can compression of the sciatic nerve after prolonged sitting cause?
Tingling sensation, often referred to as 'sleeping foot'.
What type of curves are referred to in the context of the vertebral column?
D curves and K curves.
What is the primary function of vertebral discs?
To act as shock absorbers between vertebral bodies.
What can cause kyphosis?
Muscular weakness or structural changes in the vertebral body or intervertebral disc.
In which region is scoliosis most commonly found?
The thoracic region.
What are some causes of scoliosis?
Muscular or vertebral defects.
What connects the vertebral bodies?
Joints between vertebral bodies.
What is herniated in a prolapsed disc?
The nucleus pulposus protrudes into the intervertebral foramen.
What type of joint is formed between vertebral bodies?
Secondary cartilaginous joint.
What bones are involved in the lateral atlanto-axial joints?
The inferior facets of atlas and superior facets of axis.
How many lumbar vertebrae are there?
There are five lumbar vertebrae.
What are the characteristics of the curves in the vertebral column?
The curves are convex posteriorly and concave anteriorly.
Who provided information about the compression of the sciatic nerve?
Prof. GHADA WASSIF.
At what levels in the spine do intervertebral foramina exist?
At all levels in the spine.
Where does the transverse ligament of the cruciate ligament pass?
Between the tubercles on the medial aspects of the lateral mass of the atlas.
Which condition is associated with scoliosis?
Poliomyelitis.
What happens when there is an outward thrust in a prolapsed disc?
It can lead to the rupture of the annulus fibrosus.
Who is associated with the study of vertebral bodies?
Prof. Ghada Wassif.
What is one of the primary functions of the vertebral column?
Provides protection to the spinal cord.
What is one of the primary functions of the intervertebral disc?
Acts as a shock absorber.
What does the cervical vertebra C7 allow?
Passage of the vertebral artery.
Which nerves are involved in the weak flexion of the knee despite hamstring paralysis?
Sartorius (femoral nerve) and gracilis (obturator nerve).
What do radicular arteries form?
Anastomosis that enters the vertebral canal through intervertebral foramina.
What can cause disc prolapse?
Factors include age, injury, or repetitive strain on the spine.
What sensory loss occurs below the knee?
Sensation is lost below the knee except for an area on the medial side of the leg and foot supplied by the saphenous nerve.
What features do thoracic vertebrae have for rib attachment?
Costal facets on bodies and transverse processes.
What is the forward projection of the sacrum called?
Sacral promontory.
What is the posterior longitudinal ligament's extent?
From the Axis to the sacrum and possibly the coccyx.
What are the two primary curvatures of the vertebral column?
Thoracic and sacro-coccygeal, both convex posteriorly.
What type of joint is the Atlanto-occipital joint?
Synovial joint (Ellipsoid).
What are the articular surfaces of the Atlanto-occipital joint?
Occipital condyles & superior surfaces of lateral masses of atlas.
What is lordosis?
An exaggeration in lumbar curvatures in the lumbar region.
What proportion of the length of the vertebral column do intervertebral discs account for?
¼ of the length.
What are articular facets?
Surfaces on the vertebrae that form joints with adjacent vertebrae.
Where are there no intervertebral discs present?
Between the Atlas (C1), Axis (C2), and Coccyx.
Where does the membrana tectoria attach inferiorly?
To the posterior surface of the body of the axis.
Where does the sciatic nerve exit the pelvic bone?
Through the greater sciatic foramen.
What shape is the sacrum?
Triangular bone with the base upward and apex downward.
Where do spinal nerves typically exit in relation to their corresponding vertebrae?
Below the corresponding vertebra, except in the cervical region.
What is the primary function of intervertebral joints?
To allow movement and provide stability between vertebrae.
What role does the vertebral column play in weight transmission?
It transmits body weight to the lower limbs.
How does the nucleus pulposus accommodate sudden increases in compression?
It becomes flattened, and the outward thrust is accommodated by the surrounding annulus fibrosus.
What are the two surfaces of the sacrum?
Anterior surface and posterior surface.
How many cervical vertebrae are there?
7 cervical vertebrae.
What is the odontoid process also known as?
Dens.
What articulates with the atlas at C2?
Two large circular facets.
What are the openings on the posterior and anterior sides of the sacrum called?
Sacral foramina.
What regions does the cervical plexus supply?
Skin and muscles of the neck, diaphragm.
What is the composition of the annulus fibrosus?
Fibrocartilage made up of concentric sheets of collagen fibers.
What is the central part of the intervertebral disc called?
Nucleus pulposus.
Where do spinal nerves exit the vertebral column?
Through the intervertebral foramen.
What is the vertebral foramen?
The opening in a vertebra that allows the spinal cord to pass through.
What can result from a misplaced intramuscular injection?
Potential injury to the sciatic nerve.
What are the general characteristic features of vertebrae?
Body, neural arch, vertebral foramen, and articular facets.
What shape is the body of thoracic vertebrae?
Heart-shaped.
What is the exception for spinal nerve exit in the sacral region?
Spinal nerves exit through anterior and posterior sacral foramina.
What is the shape of the vertebral foramen in thoracic vertebrae?
Small and circular.
Which quadrant is associated with potential sciatic nerve injury?
Lower medial quadrant.
What is located at the superior part of the sacrum?
Sacral promontory.
What property of the nucleus pulposus allows for movement between vertebrae?
Its semifluid nature allows it to change shape.
How do cervical spinal nerves exit the vertebral column?
Above the corresponding vertebra (C1 - C7).
What is the venous drainage system of the spinal cord?
Internal vertebral venous plexus.
What is the function of the sacral cornu?
It serves as an attachment point for ligaments and muscles.
What does the interspinous ligament connect?
Adjacent spines.
What is the ligamentum nuchae?
A thickened form of the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments, extending from the spine of C7 to the external occipital protuberance.
What type of joint is formed between the body of C2 and the atlas?
Plane synovial joint.
When does the lumbar curvature develop?
Between 12 and 18 months of age when the infant starts to sit and walk.
What type of pressure is the nucleus pulposus normally under?
Pressure from surrounding structures.
What region does the lumbar plexus supply?
Lower limb.
What are the main structural components of the atlas?
Two lateral masses and anterior and posterior arches.
What is the ligamentum flavum?
A ligament that connects adjacent vertebrae and helps maintain posture.
What are the main components of a vertebra?
Body and neural arch.
What are the two main components of an intervertebral disc?
Annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus.
What is the function of the anterior longitudinal ligament?
It extends along the anterior surfaces of the bodies of the vertebrae, from the body of the axis to the sacrum.
What is the function of intervertebral discs?
They provide cushioning and support between vertebrae.
Where does the membrana tectoria attach superiorly?
To the basiocciput within the foramen magnum.
What type of joints are the lateral atlanto-axial joints?
Plane synovial joints.
What does the vertical band of the cruciate ligament connect?
From the body of the axis to the cranial surface of the occipital bone.
What type of joint is the atlanto-occipital joint?
Ellipsoid synovial joint.
What is the number of thoracic vertebrae?
There are twelve thoracic vertebrae.
Where does the tibial nerve travel in relation to the pyriformis muscle?
Below the pyriformis.
How many sacral vertebrae are there?
5 sacral vertebrae.
Where does the anterior longitudinal ligament extend from?
From the Axis to the sacrum.
What does the inferior surface of C2 articulate with?
An intervertebral disc with the third cervical vertebra.
What is the peripheral part of the intervertebral disc called?
Annulus fibrosus.
What are the two secondary curvatures of the vertebral column?
Cervical (convex anteriorly) and lumbar (convex anteriorly).
When does the cervical curvature develop?
Between 3 and 4 months of age when the infant starts to hold their head.
Which nerves arise from the brachial plexus?
Dorsal scapular nerve, long thoracic nerve, nerve to subclavius, suprascapular nerve, lateral & medial pectoral nerve, musculocutaneous nerve, lateral & medial root of median nerve, ulnar nerve, axillary nerve, radial nerve.
Which nerves arise from the sacral plexus?
Superior gluteal nerve, inferior gluteal nerve, nerve to obturator internus, piriformis, quadratus femoris, posterior cutaneous nerve of thigh, sciatic nerve.
What does the anterior longitudinal ligament do?
It stabilizes the vertebral column and prevents hyperextension.
Who is the professor associated with the study of vertebral column curvatures?
Prof. Ghada Wassif.
What anatomical structure lies between the pedicles of neighboring vertebrae?
Intervertebral foramen.
What are the articulating processes involved in the joints between vertebral arches?
Inferior articular process of the vertebra above and superior articular processes of the vertebra below.
What is the root value of the sacral plexus?
L4 & L5 - S1, S2, S3.
What material are intervertebral discs primarily made of?
Collagen fibers.
What are the limiting ligaments for flexion of the vertebral column?
Posterior longitudinal ligament, ligamenta flava, interspinous and supraspinous ligaments.
What is the significance of the greater sciatic foramen?
It is the foramen through which the sciatic nerve leaves the pelvic bone.
How does the vertebral column support the upper body?
It supports the skull, pectoral girdle, upper limb, and thoracic cage.
Where do the alar ligaments extend from and to?
From the upper part of the lateral surface of the dens to the medial surface of the occipital condyles.
What are common symptoms of disc prolapse?
Pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area, often radiating down the limbs.
What type of pain can result from a prolapsed disc?
Severe pain.
What is the role of the alar ligament?
To connect the axis with the occipital bone.
What are the articular surfaces of the atlanto-occipital joint below?
Concave superior articular facets of the atlas vertebra.
What are potential treatments for disc prolapse?
Options include physical therapy, medication, and in severe cases, surgery.
What does the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane connect?
From the posterior margin of the foramen magnum to the upper border of the posterior arch of the atlas.
What is the shape of the vertebral foramen in cervical vertebrae?
Large and triangular.
How are the articular processes oriented in lumbar vertebrae?
Superiorly medially and inferiorly laterally.
Which nerves arise from the cervical plexus?
Lesser occipital, greater occipital, muscular branches to neck muscle, ansa cervicalis, phrenic nerve.
What movements are allowed by the Atlanto-occipital joint?
Flexion, extension (nodding), and lateral flexion.
What are the articular surfaces of the Atlanto-axial joint?
Odontoid process & anterior arch of atlas.
What movement is primarily allowed by the Atlanto-axial joint?
Rotation of atlas (No).
How is the spine of lumbar vertebrae described?
Short, flat, quadrilateral, and horizontal.
What is the function of the spinous process?
It serves as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments.
What is the purpose of the inter-transverse ligaments?
They connect the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae.
What structures make up the neural arch of a vertebra?
Pedicle, transverse process, lamina, and spine.
What usually causes sciatica?
Compression of one of the sciatic nerve roots due to prolapse of an intervertebral disc.
What is the membrana tectoria?
It is the upward continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament.
What is the sciatic nerve?
A nerve of the sacral plexus and the largest nerve in the body.
What type of joints are formed between vertebral bodies?
Intervertebral joints.
What are the two components of the cruciate ligament?
A strong transverse ligament and a vertical band.
What connects the vertebral arches?
Ligaments.
Which muscles are primarily responsible for flexion of the vertebral column?
Longus cervicis, scalenus anterior, sternocleidomastoid, rectus abdominis, psoas muscle.
What are some causes of a prolapsed disc?
Old age and lifting heavy things.
What does the vertebral column provide passage for?
A pair of spinal nerves and vessels.
What are the articular surfaces of the atlanto-occipital joint above?
Convex occipital condyles.
What does the anterior atlanto-occipital membrane connect?
From the anterior margin of the foramen magnum to the upper border of the anterior arch of the atlas.
What type of cartilage covers the surfaces of the vertebral body?
Hyaline cartilage.
What is the shape of the vertebral foramen?
Large and triangular.
What is the relationship between the posterior longitudinal ligament and the tectorial membrane?
The posterior longitudinal ligament is continuous with the tectorial membrane of the atlanto-axial joint.
How do nutrients reach the avascular intervertebral discs?
Through diffusion from the end plate cartilaginous layers.
What type of joint is the Atlanto-axial joint?
Synovial joint (pivot).
What is a unique feature of thoracic vertebrae?
Costal facets on sides of bodies and transverse processes.
What regions does the sacral plexus supply?
Lower limb, gluteal region, pelvic muscles.
What is the purpose of the foramen transversarium in the atlas?
For the passage of the vertebral artery.
What is the primary function of intervertebral discs?
They act as joints between vertebral bodies.
What type of joint is formed between the vertebral arches?
Plane synovial joint.
What type of joint is the median atlanto-axial joint?
A pivot synovial joint.
What is the nucleus pulposus primarily composed of?
A jelly-like substance with a high water content.
Where does the sacral plexus descend?
Deep to the long head of the biceps femoris.
What is unique about the foramen transversarium of C7?
It is small and does not transmit the vertebral artery.
What is the motor effect observed when the hamstring muscles are paralyzed?
Weak flexion of the knee is possible due to the action of sartorius and gracilis.
What can a herniated disc press against?
It may press on the spinal root, spinal nerve, or even the spinal cord.
How many posterior spinal arteries are there?
Two posterior spinal arteries, which also branch from the vertebral arteries.
What ligament limits extension of the vertebral column?
Anterior longitudinal ligament.
What deformity is associated with the paralysis of muscles below the knee?
Foot drop.
What is the role of ligaments in vertebral articulation?
To stabilize and support the vertebral column.
How is disc prolapse diagnosed?
Through physical examinations, imaging tests like MRI or CT scans.
What movements of the vertebral column are permitted by the intervertebral discs?
Extension and flexion.
What surrounds the atlanto-occipital joint?
Fibrous capsule.
What does the ligamentum flavum connect?
The laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
What is the raised line running down the center of the sacrum called?
Median sacral crest.
Describe the shape of the spine in lumbar vertebrae.
Short, quadrilateral, horizontal, and flat.
Why do intervertebral discs depend on end plates for nutrition?
Because they are avascular and need to diffuse nutrients.
What is the main characteristic of the nucleus pulposus?
It is an ovoid mass of gelatinous material containing a large amount of water.
What is the designation of the atlas vertebra?
C1.
What do inter-spinous ligaments connect?
They connect adjacent spinous processes.
What is scoliosis?
A lateral deviation of the vertebral column.
In which regions are intervertebral discs thickest?
Cervical and lumbar regions.
What are the consequences of penetrating wounds or fractures of the pelvis?
They can lead to significant vascular and nerve damage.
Where is the posterior longitudinal ligament located?
It is situated within the vertebral canal and extends along the posterior surfaces of the bodies of the vertebrae, from the body of the axis to the sacrum and possibly the coccyx.
What structures comprise the median atlanto-axial joint?
The dens, anterior arch of atlas, and transverse ligament of atlas.
What are the supporting ligaments of intervertebral joints?
The anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments.
What is the apical ligament of the dens a remnant of?
Notocord.
What is disc prolapse?
A condition where the intervertebral disc bulges out of its normal space, potentially pressing on nearby nerves.
Describe the spine of the vertebrae.
Short and bifid.
In which direction do the superior articular processes of thoracic vertebrae face?
Posterolateral.
How many vertebrae compose the vertebral column?
33 vertebrae.
What happens to the intervertebral discs with advancing age?
Water content decreases, and collagen fibers in the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus degenerate.
What factors limit lateral flexion of the vertebral column?
Tension of antagonist muscles and ligaments.
Which nerve supplies the area on the medial side of the leg and foot where sensation is preserved?
Saphenous nerve (branch from femoral nerve).
What is the number of lumbar vertebrae?
5 lumbar vertebrae.
How many coccygeal vertebrae are included in the vertebral column?
4 coccygeal vertebrae.
What is the shape of the vertebral body?
Large, wide transversely, and kidney-shaped.
What is the orientation of the superior articular facets in cervical vertebrae?
Flat, backward, and upward.
What region does the brachial plexus supply?
Upper limb.
What are the spinal nerves involved in the lumbar plexus?
T12, L1, L2, L3, L4.
What is the shape of the lumbar vertebrae body?
Large, wider transversely, and kidney-shaped.
What is a characteristic of the cervical vertebra C7?
Its spine is long and not bifid.
Where can the spine of C7 be felt?
Subcutaneously in the back of the neck at the lower end of the nuchal furrow.
What is the shape of the vertebral body?
Small, transversally oval.
What is the function of the cruciate ligament?
To connect the axis with the occipital bone.
What is the significance of the length of the vertebral column?
It contributes to the overall structure and function of the spine.
What is the composition of the coccygeal region?
The coccygeal region consists of fused coccygeal vertebrae.
Which nerves are associated with the sacral plexus?
Tibial nerve and Common peroneal nerve.
What is the function of the alar ligaments?
They connect the axis with the occipital bone.
Which muscles are involved in the extension of the vertebral column?
Postvertebral muscles.
How many cervical vertebrae are present in the human body?
There are seven cervical vertebrae.
What is the role of the intertransverse ligament?
It connects adjacent transverse processes.
What is located inferiorly and superiorly to the nucleus pulposus in intervertebral discs?
Cartilage end-plates.
What are the surfaces that articulate with the lumbar vertebrae on the sacrum called?
Superior articular facets.
What are the spinal nerves involved in the brachial plexus?
C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1.
How do the spinous processes of thoracic vertebrae slope?
Long and slope downward.
What ligaments are associated with the Atlanto-axial joint?
Transverse ligament, apical, alar, cruciate, and membrana tectoria.
What is the function of the annulus fibrosus?
To provide strength and stability to the intervertebral disc.
How do spinal nerves exit the vertebral column?
Through intervertebral foramina.
What is a potential complication of posterior dislocation of the hip joint?
Injury to the sciatic nerve.
How many vertebrae are in the sacrum?
The sacrum is formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae.
What is the shape of the vertebral foramen?
Large triangle.
Where does the transverse ligament of the cruciate ligament pass?
Between the tubercles on the medial aspects of the lateral mass of the atlas.
What is the significance of water in the nucleus pulposus?
It helps maintain the disc's shape and provides cushioning.
What does the sacral canal contain?
Sacral nerves.
How do the superior articular processes of the vertebrae orient?
Flat backward and upward.
In which direction do the inferior articular processes of thoracic vertebrae face?
Forward and medially.
What is the foramen transversarium associated with?
Cervical vertebrae.
Which muscles contribute to lateral flexion of the vertebral column?
Scalenus anterior & medius, trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, quadratus lumborum, oblique muscles of the abdomen.
What is the name of the opening at the lower end of the sacrum?
Sacral hiatus.
What are the spinal nerves involved in the cervical plexus?
C1, C2, C3, C4.
How is the spine of cervical vertebrae described?
Short and bifid.
What is the shape of the thoracic vertebrae body?
Heart-shaped.
What are the spinal nerves involved in the sacral plexus?
L4, L5, S1, S2, S3, S4.
What is found on the posterior arch of the atlas?
A groove for the vertebral artery.
What are the laminae in the vertebral column?
The flat plates that form the posterior part of the vertebral arch.
What is the function of the posterior longitudinal ligament?
It helps prevent hyperflexion of the vertebral column.
What does the apical ligament of the dens connect?
It extends from the apex of the dens to the anterior margin of the foramen magnum.
What is the primary arterial supply of the spinal cord?
Single anterior spinal artery, a branch from the vertebral arteries.
What is the apex of the popliteal fossa?
The middle of the back of the thigh.
How does the spine of thoracic vertebrae slope?
Long and slopes downward.
What area is at risk during an upper outer quadrant injection?
The sciatic nerve.
What structures articulate at the intervertebral joints?
The vertebral bodies.
Which bones are connected by the cruciate ligament?
The axis and the occipital bone.
What is the function of the supraspinous ligament?
It connects the tips of adjacent spines.
How many thoracic vertebrae are present in the vertebral column?
12 thoracic vertebrae.
What is the shape of the cervical vertebrae body?
Small and transversely oval.
What is the designation for the axis vertebra?
C2.
What is the characteristic of the vertebral column in the coronal plane?
It has a slight lateral curve.
What is the shape of the vertebral foramen in lumbar vertebrae?
Large and triangular.
What is the orientation of the superior articular facets in lumbar vertebrae?
Medially.
What accompanies the vertebral artery in the atlas region?
The first cervical (suboccipital) spinal nerve.
Through which foramen does the sacral plexus pass to the gluteal region?
Greater sciatic foramen.
How do the inferior articular processes of the vertebrae orient?
Forward and downward.
What structure is formed by the vertebral foramen in the sacrum?
Sacral canal.
What are the small projections on either side of the sacral hiatus called?
Sacral cornua.
What is the function of the cartilaginous layers of the end plates?
They anchor the discs in place.
What is the auricular surface of the sacrum used for?
Articulation with the ilium of the pelvis.
What is the shape of the vertebral foramen in thoracic vertebrae?
Small and circular.
Which nerves arise from the lumbar plexus?
Iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh, genitofemoral nerve, femoral nerve, obturator nerve.
What does the lower surface of the lateral masses articulate with?
The corresponding superior facets of the axis (C2).
What is the function of the supra-spinous ligament?
It connects the tips of the spinous processes from the sacrum to the cervical region.
Where is the nucleus pulposus typically located in relation to the disc?
Slightly nearer to the anterior margin of the disc.
What feature does the anterior arch of the atlas have?
A facet for articulation with the odontoid process of the axis (dens).
What is unique about the body of the atlas?
It has no body.
What type of joint is formed by the upper surface of the lateral masses of the atlas?
A condyloid joint with the occipital condyles.
What is a distinguishing feature of lumbar vertebrae?
No foramen and no facets on body and transverse processes.
What is the role of the transverse process?
It provides attachment for muscles and ligaments and serves as a lever for movement.
What are the supporting ligaments of the intervertebral joints?
They include the anterior longitudinal ligament, posterior longitudinal ligament, ligamentum flavum, inter-transverse, inter-spinous, and supra-spinous ligaments.
