The inferior surface of a vertebral body is attached to an intervertebral disc, which then attaches to the superior surface of a vertebral body beneath it. Inferior articular joints (2 per vertebra: left and right).Superior articular joints (2 per vertebra: left and right).There are three major joints in each vertebra: Here, we focus on the joints common to each region. 2īefore introducing each vertebral region, we will explore the different joints in the vertebral column. The different anatomical regions of a typical vertebra. They assist in limiting movements in certain regions of the spine and are a site for many ligaments to attach to.įigure 2. The spinous processes are postero-inferior projections of bone that exit the vertebral arch posteriorly from the midline. They serve different purposes in different regions of the spine, such as carrying blood vessels or forming attachment sites for the ribs. The transverse processes of the vertebral column are projections of bone that arise from the same place as the articular processes and travel laterally. This process can extend superiorly to form the superior articular process, or inferiorly to form the inferior articular process.Īt the tips of these articular processes are articular facets, which form a (zygapophyseal) joint with adjacent vertebrae to improve stability within the vertebral column. The articular processes are small protrusions of bone extending from the junction between the pedicles and laminae. The laminae have a postero-inferior extension known as the spinous process. When the lamina and pedicles are referred to collectively, they are known as the vertebral arch. The vertebral arch forms the posterior margin of the spinal canal. The vertebral arch refers to the semicircular ring of bone that connects the two vertebral pedicles. Articular processes (superiorly and inferiorly).They help to form the lateral margin of the spinal canal, and give rise to four important structures: With a name derived from the Latin pediculus, meaning “ little foot,” the pedicles are two small posterior projections of the vertebral body. Two projections exit either side of a vertebra posteriorly: the pedicles. These discs help to cushion shock as forces are transmitted through the vertebral column and contributes to improving the range of motion between vertebrae. The vertebral bodies of two adjacent vertebrae are connected to intervertebral discs. This trabecular bone is of vital importance to haematopoiesis, or blood cell production, as it contains red bone marrow. Within the cortical bone is a dense network of trabecular bone. The vertebral body is surrounded by cortical (compact) bone. This is, in part, due to the increased mass placed on each vertebral body. The vertebral body becomes larger and provides more stability as the vertebral column moves inferiorly from the cervical region. 1 BodyĪlmost all vertebrae in the human vertebral column contain a vertebral body. The cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal regions the vertebral column. Coccygeal: 3-4 fused vertebrae (Co1 = highest Co3 = lowest)īefore we describe each of these regions and some examples of atypical vertebrae, we will consider the similarities in their basic structure.Sacral: 5 fused vertebrae (S1 = highest S5 = lowest).Lumbar: 5 vertebrae (L1 = highest L5 = lowest).Thoracic: 12 vertebrae (T1 = highest T12 = lowest).Cervical: 7 vertebrae (C1 = highest C7 = lowest). There are five distinct regions of the vertebral column.
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