Anatomy lecture exam 2: complete
study guide
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Chapter 2: Back
• Know the primary and secondary curvatures of the spine, as well as the number of
vertebrae in each curvature. For the secondary curvatures, at what age do each develop?
Primary curvatures are curvatures we are born with.
Thoracic curvature (12) - born with this curvature
Sacral curvature (5) - born with this structure
Secondary curvatures are curvatures we develop as we grow.
Cervical curvature (7) - develops as infant begins to hold their head upright when sitting to or
laying down as this act increases muscle tonicity.
Lumbar curvature (5) - develops when the child begins to stand and walk
• Know the Clinical significance of the following: scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature that occurs in the thoracic region only. The curvature
usually looks either like an S or C shape.
Kyphosis (hunchback) occurs when the thoracic spine craves outward. Everyone that ages gets
this at some point as tissues and bones age.
Lordosis is when the lumbar spine curves inward. Gymnasts can get this curvatures as they
manipulate their body.
,
, • Know the common and unique characteristics for each type of vertebrae.
Ligament - connects
bone to bone
Intervertebral Foramen
(spinal nerves branching
off)
Intervertebral Disks
Seven cervical vertebrae (C1–C7) - Smallest and lightest
vertebrae
C1 is Atlas. Lacks a body and spinous process. Supports the
skull. Superior articular facets receive the occipital condyles.
Allows flexion and extension of neck. Nodding the head “yes”
C2 is the Axis. Has a body and spinous process
Dens (odontoid process) projects superiorly
Formed from fusion of the body of the atlas with the axis
Acts as a pivot for rotation of the atlas and skull
Participates in rotating the head from side to side
Hangman Fracture in the arch of axis pushes the dens posteriorly
and compresses the brain stem, leading to death.
*Fracture of the dens is a typical fracture of C2.
C3–C7 are typical cervical vertebrae
Body is wider laterally
Spinous processes short and
Vertebral foramen large and triangular
Transverse processes contain transverse foramina
*Contents: Vertebral artery
Superior articular facets face superoposteriorly
C7 is vertebra prominens
study guide
Latest updates||||
Chapter 2: Back
• Know the primary and secondary curvatures of the spine, as well as the number of
vertebrae in each curvature. For the secondary curvatures, at what age do each develop?
Primary curvatures are curvatures we are born with.
Thoracic curvature (12) - born with this curvature
Sacral curvature (5) - born with this structure
Secondary curvatures are curvatures we develop as we grow.
Cervical curvature (7) - develops as infant begins to hold their head upright when sitting to or
laying down as this act increases muscle tonicity.
Lumbar curvature (5) - develops when the child begins to stand and walk
• Know the Clinical significance of the following: scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature that occurs in the thoracic region only. The curvature
usually looks either like an S or C shape.
Kyphosis (hunchback) occurs when the thoracic spine craves outward. Everyone that ages gets
this at some point as tissues and bones age.
Lordosis is when the lumbar spine curves inward. Gymnasts can get this curvatures as they
manipulate their body.
,
, • Know the common and unique characteristics for each type of vertebrae.
Ligament - connects
bone to bone
Intervertebral Foramen
(spinal nerves branching
off)
Intervertebral Disks
Seven cervical vertebrae (C1–C7) - Smallest and lightest
vertebrae
C1 is Atlas. Lacks a body and spinous process. Supports the
skull. Superior articular facets receive the occipital condyles.
Allows flexion and extension of neck. Nodding the head “yes”
C2 is the Axis. Has a body and spinous process
Dens (odontoid process) projects superiorly
Formed from fusion of the body of the atlas with the axis
Acts as a pivot for rotation of the atlas and skull
Participates in rotating the head from side to side
Hangman Fracture in the arch of axis pushes the dens posteriorly
and compresses the brain stem, leading to death.
*Fracture of the dens is a typical fracture of C2.
C3–C7 are typical cervical vertebrae
Body is wider laterally
Spinous processes short and
Vertebral foramen large and triangular
Transverse processes contain transverse foramina
*Contents: Vertebral artery
Superior articular facets face superoposteriorly
C7 is vertebra prominens
