Vertebral Column and its Bones

Introduction

• Presented by Dr. Lotz from HumanBodyHelp.com
• Focus on the vertebral column and individual bones.

Bones of the Vertebral Column

• Atlas

  • Named after Greek mythology's Atlas, supports the skull.
  • Articulates with occipital condyles of the skull.
  • Key structures:
    • Transverse processes with transverse foramen.
    • Posterior tubercle replaces the spinous process.
    • Anterior and posterior arches.
    • Lacks a body; possibly with the axis as the dens.

• Axis

  • Features the dens or odontoid process, allowing rotation.
  • Atlantoaxial joint crucial for cervical rotation (~70%).
  • Structures:
    • Superior articular facets, pedicles, lamina, spinous process.
    • Vertebral arch formed by pedicles and lamina.
    • Transverse processes with transverse foramen for vertebral artery.

• Typical Cervical Vertebra

  • Contains a body, uncinate processes, and superior articular facets.
  • Bifid spinous process is common.
  • Transverse processes with transverse foramen.

• Thoracic Vertebra

  • Long, downward hanging spinous process.
  • Articulation with ribs via demi-facets and transverse processes.
  • Round vertebral canal.

• Lumbar Vertebra

  • Large body relative to thoracic vertebra.
  • Triangular vertebral canal.
  • Unique mammillary processes on superior articular processes.

Identifying Vertebrae

• Cervical Vertebrae

  • Presence of transverse foramen for the vertebral artery.
  • Triangular vertebral canal.

• Thoracic Vertebra

  • Round vertebral canal.
  • Superior articular facets face backward.

• Lumbar Vertebra

  • Triangular vertebral canal.
  • Superior articular facets face inward.
  • Mammillary processes present.

Conclusion

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