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Spinal Column - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 10:33, 25 July 2008
, 10:33, 25 July 2008→''Vertebrae and Joints''
=''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
*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''=