1,351
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Spinal Column - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 10:33, 25 July 2008
, 10:33, 25 July 2008→''Vertebrae and Joints''
Line 5:
Line 5:
=''Vertebrae and Joints''=
=''Vertebrae and Joints''=
−*Vertebrae consist of a body which encloses the vertebral foramen (through which the spinal cord runs), a spinous process, and a transverse process, as well as articular processes by which they join together
+*Vertebrae consist of a body which encloses the vertebral foramen (through which the spinal cord and meninges run), a spinous process, and a transverse process, as well as articular processes by which they join together
*The form of the spinous process varies with respect to species and region
*The form of the spinous process varies with respect to species and region
Line 35:
Line 35:
*Number varies greatly even within species
*Number varies greatly even within species
*Progressive simplification of form
*Progressive simplification of form
+
+==Joints of the Spinal Column==
+*Two types of joints:
+**Cartilaginous: direct connections between vertebral bodies
+***Bodies of adjacent vertebrae 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
+**Synovial: between facets on vertebral arches
+*Modified in the regions of the head and pelvis
+**Joints of the atlas:
+***'''Atlanto-occipital joint''': between condyles of the skull and corresponding cavities of the atlas
+****Functions as a ginglymus: movement is restricted to flexion/extension in the sagittal plane (eg nodding)
+***'''Atlantoaxial joint''': ventral arch of atlas and the body of the axis face into a single synovial cavity with limited areas of contact
+****Movement is rotational about a longitudinal axis (eg. head shaking)
=''Spinal Cord''=
=''Spinal Cord''=
=''Hypaxial and Epaxial Muscles''=
=''Hypaxial and Epaxial Muscles''=