Flashcards on Thoracic and Vertebral Column Joints
Thoracic & Vertebral Column Joints: Anatomy & Function Guide
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Vertebral joints and ligaments
34 cards
Card 1
Question: How are thoracic facet joints oriented and what movement do they primarily permit?
Answer: They are vertically placed, which limits flexion and extension but mainly permits rotational movements.
Card 2
Question: What is the orientation of lumbar facet joints and what movements are still possible?
Answer: They are oriented in the sagittal plane with adjacent processes interlocked; limited flexion, extension and lateral flexion are still possible.
Card 3
Question: Name the accessory ligaments that reinforce the joints of the vertebral arches.
Answer: Ligamenta flava, interspinous ligaments, supraspinous ligament, nuchal ligament, and intertransverse ligaments.
Card 4
Question: Where do the ligamenta flava connect and what is their tissue composition?
Answer: They connect the laminae of adjacent vertebral arches on each side and are mainly composed of yellow elastic tissue.
Card 5
Question: Describe the course and midline relationship of the ligamenta flava.
Answer: Each runs almost vertically from the anterior surface of the lamina above to the posterior surface of the lamina below; ligaments on opposite sides co
Card 6
Question: What are the main functions of the ligamenta flava?
Answer: They resist separation of the laminae during flexion and aid in returning the vertebral column to extension/erect posture.
Card 7
Question: What do interspinous ligaments connect and how do they blend with adjacent ligaments?
Answer: They connect adjacent spinous processes, attaching from base to apex and blending ventrally with the ligamenta flava and dorsally with the supraspinou
Card 8
Question: Where does the supraspinous ligament run and with which ligament is it continuous superiorly?
Answer: It runs along the tips of the spinous processes from C7 to the sacrum and is continuous superiorly with the nuchal ligament.
Card 9
Question: What are the primary functions of the supraspinous ligament?
Answer: It prevents separation of spinous processes during flexion and resists hyperflexion.
Card 10
Question: Describe the nuchal ligament's location and attachments.
Answer: A thick triangular fibroelastic band at the back of the neck extending from the external occipital protuberance and posterior border of the foramen ma