Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Introduction to Sectional Anatomy, 3/e Chapter 3: Spine

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Introduction to Sectional Anatomy, 3/e

Chapter 3: Spine


Spinal Column• The spinal column includes

– cervical vertebrae (7), – thoracic vertebrae (12), – lumbar vertebrae (5), – sacrum (5 fused segments), and – coccyx (3 to 5)



Cervical Vertebra• All cervical vertebrae have a foramen in each transverse

process.• Unlike lower vertebrae, the cervical spinous process is often

bifid.



Thoracic Vertebra• All thoracic vertebrae have costal facets for articulating with

the ribs.• As compared to cervical vertebrae, the thoracic vertebrae are

larger.



Lumbar Vertebra• The lumbar vertebrae have a large body with a large, blunt

spinous process.• Unlike upper vertebrae, there are no costal facets or

transverse foramina.



Sacrum• The sacrum is composed of five fused vertebral segments.• The spinal nerves exit through the sacral foramina found on

both the anterior and posterior surfaces.



Sagittal Spine• The intervertebral discs separate the vertebral bodies.• The vertebral column is connected by an array of ligaments.• The spinal nerves exit through the intervertebral foramina.



Spinal Nerves• Spinal nerves originate from the spinal cord at each intervertebral

level.• The conus medullaris is the caudal tip of the spinal cord.• The cauda equina is the bundle of nerves below the conus medullaris.



Axial Spinal Cord• The spinal nerves exit on both sides through the

intervertebral foramina.• Like the brain, the spinal cord is covered by the three

meningeal layers: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.



End of Chapter 3: Sectional Anatomy of the Spine

Documents

Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Introduction to Sectional Anatomy, 3/e Chapter 3: Spine