Lecture Notes: Vertebral Column Overview

Introduction

• Lecturer: Dr. B
• Topic: Vertebral Column

Lumbar Vertebra

• Location: Base of the spine
• Features:
  • Large vertebral body for support
  • Spinous process: rounded, dull, points posteriorly
  • Vertebral foramen for spinal cord passage
  • Transverse processes on either side
  • Pedicles connect vertebral body to posterior arch
  • Lamina completes the vertebral arch

Thoracic Vertebra

• Features:
  • Smaller vertebral body compared to lumbar
  • Spinous process: blade-shaped, points inferiorly
  • Contains articular facets for ribs
  • 12 thoracic vertebrae corresponding to 12 pairs of ribs
  • Visual comparison: resembles a giraffe

Cervical Vertebra

• Types:
  • Typical Cervical Vertebra (C3-C7)
    • Contains vertebral body, vertebral foramen, lamina, pedicle, transverse processes
    • Unique feature: Transverse foramen in transverse processes
    • Bifurcated spinous process
  • Axis (C2)
    • Distinctive DENS process for rotation
    • Transverse foramen present
  • Atlas (C1)
    • Large vertebral foramen
    • Functions with the DENS process of C2 for rotation
    • Lacks a vertebral body, has anterior and posterior arches
    • Transverse foramen present
    • Articular surfaces for DENS

Key Differences

• Lumbar vs Thoracic
  • Size and shape of vertebral bodies and spinous processes
  • Presence of rib facets in thoracic
• Cervical
  • Multiple foramina (three: one vertebral and two transverse)
  • Specialized vertebrae (atlas and axis) for head movement

Summary

• Comparison and identification of lumbar, thoracic, and cervical vertebrae based on structure and function.