Radiographic Anatomy

Skeletal System

VERTEBRAL COLUMN

Educational Objectives

By the end of this lecture you should be able to: Identify the anatomical parts of the vertebral column on

diagrams and radiographs.

Identify the different parts of a typical vertebra

Differentiate between normal & abnormal spine curvatures Explain how to hang spine radiographs on the

view box State and locate the surface land marks

associated with the vertebral column levels.

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1. Text book of radiographic positioning and related anatomy; by Kenneth L.Bontrager,6th edition. 2. Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology: by Eldra Pearl Solomon:W.B.Saunders Company 3. Handbook of Anatomy and physiology for Students of Medical Radiation Technology: Mallett.M:Jaspar

Websiteshttp://www6.district125.k12.il.us/science/anatomy/http://www.innerbody.com/htm/body.html http://www.e-radiography.net/

http://www.getbodysmart.com/index.htm

References

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7 cervical12 thoracic5 lumber5 sacral (fused)4 coccygeal (fused)

33 vertebrae:

VERTEBRAL COLUMN

Function Provides support for head, neck and trunk Transfers weight to Appendicular skeleton Protects spinal cord

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VERTEBRAL COLUMN

TermTermDescriptionDescriptionLordosi

sNormal compensatory concave curvature of Cervical & Lumber spines, or

Abnormal exaggerated Lumber curvature with increased concavity

Kyphosis

Abnormal exaggerated Thoracic curvature with increased concavity

Scoliosis

Abnormal lateral curvature Normal adult curvature

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VERTEBRAL COLUMN

Normal curvature

Kyphosis - Lordosis

Scoliosis

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VERTEBRAL COLUMN

(1) Body:

(2) Arch: 2 pedicles (lat)+ 2 Laminae (post) Pedicle + Lamina Transverse process

Lamina + Lamina Spinous process

(3): Intervertebral Foramina: Superior + Inferior vertebral notch

31 spinal nerves (8C+12T+5L+5S+1co)

(4) Intervertebral Joints:(5) Intervertebral Disc: Serve for shock absorption

and contribute to the flexbility

of the spine.

Annulus fibrosus + Nucleus pulposus

Typical Vertebra

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VERTEBRAL COLUMNCervical spine

Anterior Posterior Lateral

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VERTEBRAL COLUMNCervical spine (Typical)

(1): Transverse process:

Foramen(vertebral a.)

(2): Spinous processes:

Short and bifid

(C2-C6)

(3): Intervertebral canal:

Triangle

(4): Body:

Small

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VERTEBRAL COLUMNThe Atlas – C1

Cervical spine

• No body (fused with CV2 to form the dens)• Large lateral mass• Articular facets• Anterior arch •Spinous process absent •Modified functions:-Support trhe skull-Allow nodding of the head

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VERTEBRAL COLUMNThe Axis– C2 : the body has upward projection to articulate with CV1. Allow rotation of the atlas from side to side.

Cervical spine

Superior View Inferior view Lateral View

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VERTEBRAL COLUMNCervical spine

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VERTEBRAL COLUMNC.7Cervical

spineSpinous process:

1. Long

2. Easily felt

3. Not bifid

Transverse process:

Foramen is small or absent

( only the vertebral vein pass)

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VERTEBRAL COLUMNThoracic spine (Typical)

Superior View Inferior view

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VERTEBRAL COLUMNThoracic spine: body bigger (heart shaped, vertebral foramen larger)

Articular facet on the body for (ribs)

T1:

Complete facet superior

Demi-facet inferior

T2 - T10:

Demi-facet on superior and inferior

T11 – T12:

Single complete facet at midlevel

Articular facet on transverse process

Spinous process: long, downward

VERTEBRAL COLUMNThoracic spine

VERTEBRAL COLUMNLumbar spine

ANTERIOR LATERAL

• Bigger body than the thoracic.

• Transverse processes:

Upper 4:

increase in size from above downward

Fifth: shorter , stronger, pyramidal

• Spinous process: square, horizontal

•NB: The spinal cord end at the lower border of the first lumber vertebra.

•The 4th lumber vertebra is opposite the highest part of the iliac crest.

VERTEBRAL COLUMNLumbar spine

VERTEBRAL COLUMNLumbar spine

AP Lateral

VERTEBRAL COLUMNSacrum

AP Lateral

5 fused vertebrae , Triangle in shape, Concave Anteriorly

VERTEBRAL COLUMNSacrum: 5 piece fused together ,the side of the first piece form the ala of the sacrum which articulate with the ilium to form the sacro-iliac joint. Sometimes the 5th LV. Fuse either partially or completely with the sacrum (sacralisation). Incomplete development of the spine and lamina may result in absence of the posterior wall (spina bifida)

AP Lateral

Central mass (fused body)

Sacral promontory (superior- anterior border)

4 Sacral foramina

The ala (upper anterior surface)

Sacral crest:

fused spinous processes (posterior)

Transverse process: rudimentary

Lateral articular surface: sacroiliac joint

VERTEBRAL COLUMNSacrum and pelvis

AP Lateral

VERTEBRAL COLUMNCoccyx

AP

Lateral

•4 (3-5) fused vertebrae with Different shape and size

•Articulate at acute angle with sacrum

LandmarkLandmark Corresponding LevelCorresponding Level 1.Mastoid process (skull) Cervical 1

2.Thyroid cartilage Cervical 5

3.Vertebral prominence Cervical 7

4.Suprasternal notch Thoracic 2-3

5. Sternal angle (2 inch below notch)

Thoracic 4-5

6.Inferior angle of the scapula Thoracic 7 (3 – 4 inches below jugular notch)

7.Xyphoid process Thoracic 9-10

8.Inferior costal margin Lumber 2-3

9.Iliac crest Lumber 4-5

10.

Anterior superior iliac spineSacral 1-2

11.

Greater trochanterDistal coccyx

12.

Symphysis public2.5 cm inferior to distal coccyx

VERTEBRAL LEVELS

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