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Quadrupedal Mechanics - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 22:36, 28 November 2013
, 22:36, 28 November 2013→Inclined spinous processes
==='''Inclined spinous processes'''===
==='''Inclined spinous processes'''===
[[File:QMFig 9.3.png|thumb|'''Fig 9.3 Median section of an intervertebral joint in the thoracic region''']]
We can tell the direction of the forces on the spinous processes of the vertebrae by the way they lean, as you can easily tell in which direction the contestants in a tug-of-war are pulling, and resisting being pulled. Mechanical struts are more effective when a force is applied to them at an acute angle rather than a right angle. Therefore, the tall spines of the cranial thoracic vertebrae slope caudally. In the cat, this occurs as far caudally as the tenth thoracic vertebrae (Fig. 8.2), and the eleventh in the dog (Fig. 9.1 c).
We can tell the direction of the forces on the spinous processes of the vertebrae by the way they lean, as you can easily tell in which direction the contestants in a tug-of-war are pulling, and resisting being pulled. Mechanical struts are more effective when a force is applied to them at an acute angle rather than a right angle. Therefore, the tall spines of the cranial thoracic vertebrae slope caudally. In the cat, this occurs as far caudally as the tenth thoracic vertebrae (Fig. 8.2), and the eleventh in the dog (Fig. 9.1 c).
:::::'''Fig 9.3 Median section of an intervertebral joint in the thoracic region'''
:::::'''Fig 9.3 Median section of an intervertebral joint in the thoracic region'''
:::::Structures are shown which resist bending or hydrostatically distribute a uniform compression stress on the vertebral bodies.
==='''Flexibility of the vertebral column'''===
==='''Flexibility of the vertebral column'''===