Learning Objectives

• Describe the main anatomical features of the typical and atypical vertebrae. Identify the atlas, axis, other cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal vertebrae and recognise their characteristic features
• Describe the anatomy of the intervertebral joints. Explain the role of the intervertebral disc in weight bearing, give an example of a common disc lesion and how they may compress adjacent neurological structures
• Describe the anatomical relationships of the spinal cord and dorsal and ventral nerve roots, particularly in relation to root compression
• Describe the anatomy relevant to performing a lumbar puncture
• Describe the regions and functions of the vertebral column. Describe the range of movement of the entire vertebral column and its individual regions
• Identify the principal muscles and ligaments of the vertebral column. Discuss their functional roles in stability and movement of the vertebral column
• Identify the major surface features of the vertebral column

Vertebral Column

• what are the functions of the VC?
• Vertebrae Bony Landmarks Naming
• superiorly to inferiorly, the size of vertebrae [$\uparrow$/ $\downarrow$] due to [what]?
• the VC comprises of [# total bones] but only [# individual bones]?
• what are the 5 regions of the VC?
• what are the purpose of spinal curvatures?
• what are the 3 joints of the VC?
• what ligaments support the VC?

Back Muscles

• what muscle groups are extrinsic back muscles?