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==Joints of the Spinal Column==

==Joints of the Spinal Column==

 

Within the spinal column there are two types of joints: '''cartilaginous''' and '''synovial'''. '''Cartilaginous''' joints provide direct connections between vertebral bodies. The bodies of adjacent vertebrae are connected by thick, flexible intervertebral discs, consisting of two parts; the ''nucleus pulposus'' and the ''annulus fibrosis''. The '''nucleus pulposus''' has a slightly eccentric shape and is a notochord derivative. It is contained under pressure and prone to escape during spinal trauma. The '''annulus fibrosis''' has encircling bundles of fibrous tissue surrounding the nucleus pulposus that pass obliquely from one vertebra to another with changing orientation. These are not prone to damage. The second type of spinal column joint is the '''synovial''' joint. These are found between facets on vertebral arches and there are various conformational differences between the regions of the head and pelvis.

There are two types of joints:

 

1. '''Cartilaginous''':

 

Provides direct connections between vertebral bodies. The bodies of adjacent vertebrae are connected by thick, flexible intervertebral discs, consisting of two parts:

:'''Nucleus pulposus''': slightly eccentric, notochord derivative, contained under pressure and prone to escape.

:'''Annulus fibrosis''': encircling bundles of fibrous tissue that pass obliquely from one vertebra to another, with changing orientation.

 

2. '''Synovial''':

 

Found between facets on vertebral arches. They are modified in the regions of the head and pelvis.

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==Cervical Region==

==Cervical Region==

[[Image:Cervical Vertebra.png|thumb|right|250px|Cervical Vertebra - Wikimedia Commons 2008]]

[[Image:Cervical Vertebra.png|thumb|right|250px|Cervical Vertebra - Wikimedia Commons 2008]]