Vertebral notch

As vertebrates (Latin vertebra ) the bony element of the spine is called in anatomy. Each vertebra consists of a vertebral body, the vertebral arches, two transverse processes (one for right and left), the spinous process and four articular processes ( in humans: two upper and two lower ). At some vertebrae occur two teats extensions (only for thoracic and lumbar vertebrae ) and two additional extensions ( only a few mammals in the lumbar vertebrae ) on.

Vertebral body

The vertebral body ( corpus vertebrae ) are provided at the display to adjacent vertebrae Poland, each with a cover plate. Between these cover plates adjacent vertebrae with an intervertebral disc faserknorplig and two bands ( anterior and posterior longitudinal ligament ) are interconnected by connective tissue.

Vertebral arch

The vertebral arch ( arcus vertebrae) is a bony part of each vertebra of the spine. It starts on both sides unite with a "feet " ( Pediculus arcus vertebrae) that are in the bow plate (lamina arcus vertebrae).

It surrounds the curved back side ( dorsal) of the intervertebral foramen ( vertebral foramen ). The belly side (ventral ) of the vortex hole is formed by the vertebral body. The lined-up foramina of the vertebrae form the longitudinal spinal canal ( canalis vertebral artery ), in which the spinal cord is together with meninges and cerebrospinal fluid embedded and protected against external influences in the spine.

Transverse process

The paired transverse process ( processus transversus, also referred to as diapophysis ) is used in the recognition of bands ( eg ligaments intertransversaria ) and muscles. At the thoracic vertebrae, the transverse processes also form an articulated connection to equinumerous rib.

The transverse processes of the sixth to the first cervical vertebra are pierced longitudinally ( transversarium foramen ) through a hole. These holes form a channel ( canal transversarius ), vertebral artery by pulling the vertebral artery and vein and the nerve in its entirety.

In blocking the transverse processes are rotated with and provide for a narrowing of the spinal nerves exit areas, which can lead to severe pain. Also in scoliosis ( side twisting of the spine), the transverse processes are significantly rotated and may initially - in early childhood ( 8 to 10 years of age. ) - Are often caught only with a corset.

Spinous process

The spinous process ( processus spinosus, also referred to as neurapophysis ) is a directed by the vertebral arch outgoing move upward ( dorsal) process of a vertebra.

The atlas (first cervical vertebra ) has no spinous process, instead a posterior tubercle ( tuberculum posterior ). Also, in the sacrum in a special situation can be seen: Here the spinous processes of the so -called sacral crest are fused. At the spinous processes put straps on ( interspinous ligament or ligament supraspinal ) and part of the back muscles. As the transverse processes to form levers, which support the action of the associated muscles. One can easily feel the back as solid surveys.

Articular processes

The four articular processes ( processus articular, also referred to as zygapophyses ) form the true joints between the vertebrae. There are two upward (superior) and two directed downward ( inferior) articular processes, each of the inferior articular process ( Präzygapophyse ) with the equilateral articular process superior ( Postzygapophyse ) of the following vertebra is connected. In animals, the articular processes are due to the horizontal posture forward ( cranial) or backwards ( caudally ) directed and are therefore referred to as cranial articular process and caudal articular process.

Mastoid process

The paired mastoid process (Processus mamillaris ) occurs only in thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. He sits on the articular process superior / cranial ( Netter S.153/154 ) and in humans can be upwards in animals according to forward and serves as a muscle attachment.

Additional extension

The additional extension ( processus accessory ) occurs only at the lumbar vertebrae in humans and predators. He is directed downwards or in animals rear ( caudal ) and sits at the junction of the vertebral arch to the costal process.

Characteristics of the various vortex types

• Cervical vertebrae ( cervical part )
• Thoracic vertebrae ( thoracic part )
• Lumbar ( lumbar part )
• Tailbone ( coccyx )

• Cervical vertebrae: Transverse foramen ( " lying transversely hole ") in the first ( in ruminants from 2 ) to 6 cervical vertebrae.
• The spinous process is long and zweigezackt in humans.
• 7 vertebrae in humans

• The spinous process is long, einzackig and pulls obliquely downward to over the adjacent segment.
• 12 vertebrae in humans

• Pronounced processus accessory.
• Costal process ( " ribs extension " ) available.
• The spinous process is bent einzackig and down.
• 5 vertebrae in humans

• Spinous processes are fused to form a ridge.
• 5 fused vertebrae in humans

• 3-5 rudimentary vertebrae in humans

Distinguishing Help: The size of the vertebral body takes ( in the range of cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae ) from top to down.

Vertebral body replacement

Comminuted fracture of a vertebral body or tumors of the spine sometimes require the replacement of a vertebral body with an implant. The loading of these implants is largely unknown. To measure it, the Institute of the Charité Berlin was a clinically common implant modified so that a measurement of three force and three moment components in vivo is possible in Julius Wolff. To a telemetry transmitter is installed hermetically sealed together with a coil 6 of strain sensors and to the cylinder of the implant. Usually, the spine is additionally stabilized by a vortex internal fixator. Several instrumented vertebral body replacement implants have been used in patients and implant loading measured at various activities of daily living.