Anatomy and Cell Biology 3319 Chapter Notes -Anterior Ramus Of Spinal Nerve, Cervical Vertebrae, Sagittal Plane

• School: Western University
• Department: Anatomy and Cell Biology
• Course: Anatomy and Cell Biology 3319
• Professor: Kem Rogers

Document Summary

In fetuses & infants vertebral column consists of 33 separate bones or vertebrae. Inferiorly, 9 of these eventually fuse to form 2 composite bones: sacrum & coccyx (tailbone: remaining 24 bones persist as individual vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs. Regions & normal curvatures: about 70 cm (28 inches) long in average adult. Ligaments of the spine: strap-like ligaments of the back & muscles of the trunk holds the spine, major supporting ligaments, anterior & posterior longitudinal ligaments. Run vertically along anterior & posterior surfaces of bodies of vertebrae from neck to sacrum. Anterior longitudinal ligament: wide & attaches strongly to both body vertebrae & intervertebral discs, along with its supporting role thick anterior ligament prevents hyperextension. Posterior longitudinal ligament: narrow & relatively weak, attaches only to intervertebral discs, helps to prevent hyperflexion, several other posterior ligaments connect each vertebra to those immediately superior & inferior. Among these is ligamentum flavum connects lamina of adjacent vertebrae.