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LAB MANUAL
|Topic and Text Reference | Learning Objectives | Special Instructions | Clinical Exercises | Key Structures
TOPIC AND TEXT REFERENCE: BONY VERTEBRAE (PP.4-6) AND VERTEBRAL CANAL, SPINAL CORD AND MENINGES (PP.12-14)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: (Click on a Learning Objective to go to the relevant section of the Study Module.)
Learn the distinguishing features of each vertebral level, e.g., cervical, thoracic, etc.
Identify the features of the vertebrae and their intervertebral and costovertebral articulations.
Learn the foramina associated with the vertebral column and what goes through them.
Learn the meningeal layers and how far they extend.
Learn the difference between spinal cord levels and vertebral levels.
Understand the laminectomy procedure.
Observe how spinal nerves form from the spinal cord.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LAB TODAY:
All the even tables will begin the lab on pg. 4 and the odd numbered tables will begin lab on pg. 12.
Pg. 4-6: Follow dissector line by line.
Pg. 12: We have done laminectomies on all the odd numbered cadavers.
video of laminectomy
So those of you who are at odd numbered tables will begin by identifying the dural sac as described on the top of pg. 13 in the dissector. If you are at an even numbered table please start on pg. 3 with the osteology. After 30-40 minutes neighboring tables will switch activities.
Pg. 13: Since the laminectomies were done on the lower half of the transected cadavers you will be unable to see the cervical enlargements of the spinal cord and the thoracic portion of the spinal cord. However these areas can be observed on prosected specimens in each lab.
Pg. 14: Be careful when looking for the denticulate ligaments. They are very fragile and will break easily. On each cadaver at least one spinal nerve has been exposed showing its dorsal root ganglion and dorsal and ventral rami.
You will most likely not be able to identify the various intervertebral ligaments. All the structures listed under the key words are fair game on a practical unless they have an asterisk.
CLINICAL CORRELATIONS AND EXERCISES:
1. Palpate the vertebral column on your lab partner. What part of the vertebrae are you palpating?
Spinous processes.
2. Examine the vertebral column of your cadaver. Is it straight, and in the midline?
If it deviates laterally, it is called scoliosis. This is why when you were a kid the pediatrician always made you touch your toes (or try to touch your toes). They were looking for scoliosis.
3. Look at a skeleton and/or your lab partner from the lateral side and you will note that the vertebral column is not straight in the sagittal plane. What are these curvatures called?
Convex forward is called lordosis, which is found in the cervical and lumbar regions and concave forward is called kyphosis, which is found in the thoracic and sacral regions. Sometimes these terms are also used to describe excessive curvatures.
KEY STRUCTURES:
You should be able to identify in a cadaver all the structures listed under key words unless they have an asterisk.
Click "I" for images and drawing from our lab, from Netter's, and Gold Standard. Click "S" for relevant pages in the Study Module.
structure |
Netter's |
Gold Standard |
structure |
Netter's |
Gold Standard |
strucuture |
Netter's |
Gold Standard |
| arachnoid mater* |
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conus medullaris |
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foramen transversarium |
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| atlas |
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denticulate ligaments |
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interspinous ligaments* |
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| axis |
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dorsal ramus |
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intervertebral foramen |
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| body of vertebra |
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dorsal roots |
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laminae |
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| cauda equina |
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dural sac |
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ligamenta flava* |
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| cervical enlargement |
N1 |
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epidural/extradural space |
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lumbosacral enlargement |
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cervical vertebra
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filum terminale
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pedicle
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spinal arteries* |
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|Topic and Text Reference | Learning Objectives | Special Instructions | Clinical Exercises | Key Structures
