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Set #4Anatomy & Physiology: Lower Extremities, Vertebrae, and Shoulder Bones

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  • Transverse process
    Bony projections extending laterally from each side of the vertebral arch.
  • Pedicle
    Short, thick bony pillars projecting posteriorly from the vertebral body to form the sides of the vertebral arch.
  • Lamina
    Flat plates of bone that fuse at the midline posteriorly to complete the roof of the vertebral arch.
  • Spinous process
    A single posterior projection extending from the junction of the two lamellae on a vertebra.
  • Vertebral foramen
    The large central opening enclosed by the vertebral body and arch; houses the spinal cord.
  • Superior articular facet
    The smooth, flat surface on a superior articular process that joins with the vertebra above it.
  • Inferior articular facet
    The smooth, flat surface on an inferior articular process that joins with the vertebra below it.
  • Superior articular process
    Upward-directed bony projections on a vertebra that house the superior facets.
  • Inferior articular process
    Downward-directed bony projections on a vertebra that house the inferior facets.
  • Intervertebral disc
    A cushion-like pad of fibrocartilage located between the bodies of adjacent vertebrae.
  • Cervical vertebrae features
    Characterized by small bodies, bifid spinous processes (usually), and a unique transverse foramen in each transverse process.
  • Atlas (C1)
    The first cervical vertebra; lacks a body and spinous process; supports the skull and allows for nodding.
  • Axis (C2)
    The second cervical vertebra; features a prominent upward vertical pivot point called the dens.
  • Dens (odontoid process)
    The vertical, tooth-like projection extending upward from the body of the axis into the ring of the atlas.
  • Transverse foramen
    Openings in the transverse processes found exclusively in cervical vertebrae; transmit the vertebral arteries.
  • Thoracic vertebrae features
    Characterized by heart-shaped bodies, long downward-pointing spinous processes, and articular facets for rib attachments.
  • Superior, Inferior, and Transverse costal facets
    Smooth articular surfaces on thoracic vertebrae bodies and transverse processes where rib heads and tubercles connect.
  • Sacrum
    The single, triangular bone formed by the fusion of 5 sacral vertebrae, locking the pelvic girdle together.
  • Sacral canal
    The continuous internal canal running down through the sacrum, representing the continuation of the vertebral cavity.
  • Auricular surface of sacrum
    The rough, ear-shaped lateral surface of the sacrum that articulates with the ilium of the coxal bone.
  • Sacral foramina
    Rows of openings on both anterior and posterior sides of the sacrum for exit of sacral spinal nerves.
  • Coccyx
    The tailbone; a small terminal bone formed by fusion of 3 to 5 tiny vestigial vertebrae at the base of the spine.
  • Scapula
    The shoulder blade; a flat, triangular bone located on the posterolateral aspect of the thoracic cage.
  • Medial (vertebral) border of scapula
    The thin, straight edge of the scapula running closest and parallel to the spine.
  • Lateral (axillary) border of scapula
    The thick edge of the scapula running closest to the armpit area.
  • Scapular spine
    A prominent ridge crossing horizontally over the upper posterior surface of the scapula.
  • Supraspinous fossa
    The shallow depression located superior to the scapular spine.
  • Infraspinous fossa
    The large, broad depression located inferior to the scapular spine.
  • Subscapular fossa
    The large, smooth depression on the deep, anterior surface of the scapula facing the ribs.
  • Acromion process
    The flattened, enlarged lateral tip of the scapular spine that articulates with the clavicle.
  • Coracoid process
    A hook-like projection pointing anteriorly and laterally from the superior border of the scapular neck.
  • Glenoid cavity (glenoid fossa)
    The shallow, oval socket on the lateral angle of the scapula that articulates with the head of the humerus.
  • Supraglenoid tubercle
    A tiny rough bump located directly above the superior lip of the glenoid cavity.
  • Infraglenoid tubercle
    A small rough ridge located directly below the inferior lip of the glenoid cavity.