OBSERVATION OF THE AXIAL SKELETON

Dr. M.A. Aziz

The human skeletal system is divided into the following:

1) Axial skeleton (skull, vertebral column, ribs, sternum) , and the

2) Appendicular skeleton (bones of the upper and lower limbs).

Today we will study a part of the Axial Skeleton. With reference to the bones of the vertebral column provided in your bone boxes and on the articulated skeletons in the lab, study the column using the following protocol, a textbook, and your Atlas (i.e., see Netter, Plates 142-149, Grant's Atlas, Pgs. 200-231, and Rohen et. al., Pgs. 182-192).

1. What are the four main components of the axial skeleton?

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2. How many bones make up the vertebral column?

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3. Do you suspect that some of these bones are fused?

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i. If so, where do you observe the main fusion?

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ii. How many bones are fused?

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iii. Is there any other area of fusion?

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4. Including the fused bones, what is the TOTAL number of

bony elements of the vertebral column?

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5. What is the advantage(s) of having this many distinct bones in the

vertebral column?

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6. Into how many regions can the vertebral column be assigned?

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7. How many vertebrae does each region have?

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8. The fundamental structure of each element called a vertebra

is the same throughout the body. However, there is regional variation.

What are the parts of a typical vertebra?

i. ____________________________

Function?_________________

ii. ____________________________

Function?_________________

iii. ____________________________

Function?_________________

iv. ____________________________

Function?_________________

v. ____________________________

Function?_________________

vi. ____________________________

Function?_________________

9. What are the diagnostic features of a typical cervical vertebra?

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10. List the diagnostic features of a typical thoracic vertebra.

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11. What are the diagnostic features of a typical lumbar vertebra?

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12. What are the diagnostic features of a coccygeal vertebra?

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13. What is peculiar (atypical) about:

A. The atlas?

 

B. The axis?

14. Which landmarks are visible as you view a typical vertebra? From:

Superior ___________________________________________________

Inferior ___________________________________________________

Anterior ___________________________________________________

Posterior ___________________________________________________

15. List all the foramina found in a (typical) vertebra.

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16. What are the contents of the vertebral canal?

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17. List the contents of the transverse foramen.

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18. List three components by which vertebrae connect/articulate

with each other.

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19. What is an intervertebral disc and how does it function?

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20. What visible characteristics demonstrate the mechanical properties (and results) of weight bearing?

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21. List the natural curvatures of the adult vertebral column.

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i. Why are they important?

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22. What is kyphosis? In which region is it usually found?

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23. What is lordosis? Where is it most likely to be found?

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24. What is scoliosis? Where do you usually find it?

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25. What is a spinal/lumbar puncture or "tap"?

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26. Why is this test done, and what is extracted?

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27. Which structure(s) is/are in significant danger during this procedure?

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28. What precautions must be taken to avoid any problems?

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29. Which parts of the vertebrae are absent in spina bifida?

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30. What is a herniated disc?

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31. What is its clinical significance?

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32. At what vertebral level does the herniation most commonly occur and why?

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33. List its common symptoms. Can you explain their anatomical basis?

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