Articulations of the Trunk

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

Dr.Prab.jpg

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
Anatomy > Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body > III. Syndesmology > 5. Articulations of the Trunk > a. Articulations of the Vertebral Column

Henry Gray (1821–1865). Anatomy of the Human Body. 1918.

Part I: General Overview and Vertebral Body Articulations[edit | edit source]

The articulations of the vertebral column consist of two primary groups:

1. Articulations of the Vertebral Bodies[edit | edit source]

These joints are classified as amphiarthroses, allowing limited motion between adjacent vertebrae, but collectively providing significant mobility to the spine.

The primary ligaments associated with these joints include:

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament[edit | edit source]

(ligamentum longitudinale anterius)

This strong, broad ligament runs along the anterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies, from the axis (C2) to the sacrum. It is widest and thickest in the thoracic region, adherent to the intervertebral discs, and composed of longitudinally arranged fibers of varying lengths.

Median sagittal section of lumbar vertebrae showing ligaments (Gray's Fig. 301)

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament[edit | edit source]

(ligamentum longitudinale posterius)

Located within the vertebral canal, this ligament extends from the body of the axis to the sacrum. It is narrower than the anterior ligament, broader in the cervical and thoracic regions, and composed of compact longitudinal fibers. It presents a dentated appearance in the thoracic region and is narrower over vertebral bodies due to the basivertebral veins.

Posterior longitudinal ligament in thoracic region (Gray's Fig. 302)

Intervertebral Fibrocartilages[edit | edit source]

(disci intervertebrales)

These discs lie between adjacent vertebral bodies, from the axis to the sacrum, and form the primary connection between the vertebrae. Each consists of:

  • Annulus fibrosus – concentric layers of fibrocartilage with crossed fibers
  • Nucleus pulposus – central, gelatinous remnant of the notochord

They are thicker anteriorly in the cervical and lumbar regions, contributing to the natural spinal curvatures. Discs account for about one-fourth of spinal length.

Part II: Vertebral Arch Articulations and Movements[edit | edit source]

2. Articulations of the Vertebral Arches[edit | edit source]

These synovial joints (zygapophyseal joints) between the articular processes are reinforced by fibrous articular capsules and several supporting ligaments:

Articular Capsules[edit | edit source]

These enclose the zygapophyseal joints and are more lax in the cervical region, allowing greater mobility.

Ligamenta Flava[edit | edit source]

These elastic ligaments unite the laminae of adjacent vertebrae, contributing to the posterior wall of the vertebral canal and aiding in spinal recoil after flexion.

Ligamenta flava viewed anteriorly (Gray's Fig. 303)

Supraspinal Ligament[edit | edit source]

(ligamentum supraspinale)

This strong ligament connects the apices of the spinous processes from C7 to the sacrum. It is continuous superiorly with the ligamentum nuchae.

Ligamentum Nuchae[edit | edit source]

A fibrous septum running from the external occipital protuberance to C7. It supports the head and provides muscular attachment.

Interspinal Ligaments[edit | edit source]

These lie between adjacent spinous processes, meeting the ligamenta flava anteriorly and the supraspinal ligament posteriorly.

Intertransverse Ligaments[edit | edit source]

Situated between the transverse processes, these vary in density across spinal regions.

Movements of the Vertebral Column[edit | edit source]

Permitted movements include:

  • Flexion – greatest in cervical and lumbar regions
  • Extension – limited by spinous process contact
  • Lateral flexion – most free in cervical and lumbar regions
  • Rotation – most free in the thoracic region
  • Circumduction – limited and a composite of other movements

These movements depend on the orientation of articular facets and the elasticity of intervertebral discs and ligaments.

Muscles Involved[edit | edit source]

Gray's Anatomy[edit source]

Anatomy atlases (external)[edit source]

[1] - Anatomy Atlases

Adapted from the Classic Grays Anatomy of the Human Body 1918 edition (public domain)

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Anish, Prab R. Tumpati, MD