medulla oblongata
Where the spinal cord begins.
conus medullaris
The point where the spinal cord tapers off.
L3-L4
Most common site for a lumbar puncture
intervertebral disks
Tough fibrocartilaginous disks that separate vertebrae. Allow spinal stability, flexibility, and movement of the vertebral column.
7
Number of cervical vertebrae
12
Number of thoracic vertebrae
5
Number of lumbar vertebrae
5
Number of bones in the sacrum of a child
4
Number of bones in the coccyx of a child
33
Total number of bones in the vertebral column of a child
26
Total number of bones in the vertebral column of an adult
lumbar
The largest individual vertebrae in the vertebral column
concave
rounded inward of depressed surface
convex
rounded outward or elevated surface
cervical and lumbar
Which two sections of the vertebral column have concave curvatures?
lordotic
concave curvature
thoracic and sacral
Which two sections of the vertebral column have convex curvatures?
primary curves
Another name for the two convex curves
lumbar and sacral
Which curves are usually more pronounced in women than in men?
lordosis
an abnormal anterior concavity of the lumbar spine
kyphosis
an abnormal condition characterized by increased convexity of the thoracic spine curvature
scoliosis
exaggerated lateral curvature of the spine
Cervical
Which part of the vertebral column is the first compensatory curve?
Thoracic
Which part of the vertebral column is the first primary curve?
Lumbar
Which part of the vertebral column is the second compensatory curve?
sacral
Which part of the vertebral column is the second primary curve?
kyphotic
humpback" spine
lordotic
swayback" spine
body
thick, weight-bearing anterior part of the vertebra with flat and rough superior and inferior surfaces for attachment of the intervertebral disks.
vertebral arch
a ring or arch of bone that extends posteriorly from the vertebral body
vertebral foramen
posterior surface of the body and arch form a circular opening that contains the spinal cord.
vertebral canal
succession of vertebral foramina forms a tube-like opening that encloses and protects the spinal cord.
pedicles
extend posteriorly from either side of the vertebral body
lamina
flat layers of bone that extend posteriorly from each pedicle to unit in the midline
transverse process
projection that extends laterally from the junction of each pedicle and lamina
spinous process
the most posterior extensions of the vertebrae; extends posteriorly at the midline junction of the two laminae
inferior and superior articular processes
4 processes that comprise the important joints of the vertebral column
amphiarthrodial
Classification of intervertebral joints
facet
articulating surface of the articular processes
costal joints
articulations of the ribs to the thoracic vertebra
superior vertebral notch
half-moon-shaped area along the upper surface of each pedicle
inferior vertebral notch
half-moon shaped area along the lower surface of each pedicle
intervertebral foramen
What do the superior and inferior vertebral notches form when the vertebrae are stacked?
passageway for spinal nerves and blood vessel
What is the intervertebral foramen used for?
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