COLUNA VERTEBRAL - Anatomia

Summary

In this educational video, Professor Natália Reinecke provides an in-depth exploration of the human vertebral column, its anatomy, and its crucial functions. She explains the structure of the spine, including the intervertebral discs and the curvatures (lordosis and kyphosis) that help with flexibility and impact absorption. The lecture also covers the different regions of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar), the importance of spinal alignment, and conditions such as scoliosis. Additionally, the role of the vertebral canal and its relation to the spinal cord and nerves is discussed. The content is ideal for students studying anatomy, physiology, or related fields.

Takeaways

• 😀 The vertebral column is part of the axial skeleton, located along the body’s central axis.
• 😀 The vertebral column is made up of vertebrae, which are stacked on top of each other, and ends with the sacrum and coccyx formed by fused vertebrae.
• 😀 Intervertebral discs, made of cartilage, provide flexibility and impact absorption between vertebrae.
• 😀 The vertebral column allows for trunk movement due to its flexible structure, unlike a single, rigid bone.
• 😀 The sacrum consists of five fused vertebrae, and the coccyx is formed by four fused vertebrae.
• 😀 There are a total of 26 bones in the vertebral column, considering the sacrum and coccyx as single bones.
• 😀 The vertebral column is divided into cervical (7 vertebrae), thoracic (12 vertebrae), and lumbar (5 vertebrae) regions.
• 😀 The vertebral column appears aligned when viewed from the front, but exhibits natural curvatures when viewed laterally.
• 😀 The cervical and lumbar regions have lordosis (curved inward), while the thoracic and sacral regions have kyphosis (curved outward).
• 😀 Curvatures in the vertebral column are physiological and necessary for impact absorption, but exaggerated curvatures (hyperkyphosis or hyperlordosis) indicate abnormal biomechanical conditions.
• 😀 Scoliosis refers to abnormal lateral curves in the spine when viewed from the front, which may have various causes and patterns.
• 😀 The vertebral canal, where the spinal cord runs, is formed by the vertebrae’s vertebral foramen. Any misalignment can lead to nerve compression and neurological symptoms, such as in disc herniation.

Q & A

What is the vertebral column and where is it located?

The vertebral column is part of the axial skeleton, which forms the central axis of the body. It consists of stacked vertebrae and is located along the body’s central axis.

How many bones make up the vertebral column, including the sacrum and coccyx?

The vertebral column is made up of 26 bones in total, including 24 vertebrae (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, and 5 lumbar), the sacrum (5 fused vertebrae), and the coccyx (4 fused vertebrae).

What is the role of intervertebral discs?

Intervertebral discs are made of cartilage and are located between the vertebrae. They provide flexibility, allow movement, and absorb shocks to protect the spine.

What are the primary curvatures of the vertebral column when viewed from the side?

The vertebral column has four primary curvatures: cervical lordosis (concave), thoracic kyphosis (convex), lumbar lordosis (concave), and sacral kyphosis (convex). These curvatures are necessary for shock absorption and flexibility.

What is the difference between lordosis and kyphosis?

Lordosis refers to a concave curvature (e.g., cervical and lumbar regions), while kyphosis refers to a convex curvature (e.g., thoracic and sacral regions). Both are normal physiological curves.

What does scoliosis refer to in the context of the spine?

Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine that can occur in any region of the vertebral column. It is a deviation from the normal alignment of the spine when viewed from the front.

What is hyperlordosis, and how does it affect the spine?

Hyperlordosis is an exaggerated inward curvature of the lumbar spine. This can result in an abnormal biomechanical posture and may lead to discomfort or other spinal issues.

What happens when there is a herniated disc in the vertebral column?

A herniated disc occurs when the intervertebral disc bulges out and compresses nearby nerve roots, potentially causing neurological symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness.

How do the vertebrae protect the spinal cord?

The vertebrae protect the spinal cord by forming a bony tunnel, known as the vertebral canal, through which the spinal cord passes. This canal is crucial for shielding the spinal cord from injury.

What are the specific regions of the vertebral column, and how are they named?

The vertebral column is divided into regions: 7 cervical vertebrae (C1-C7), 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12), and 5 lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5). The sacrum and coccyx are also included but consist of fused vertebrae.