Anaesthesia Fundamentals | Anatomy | Surface Anatomy of Vertebral Column in Adult and Child

Surface Anatomy of Vertebral Column in Adult and Child
Session Overview
Description
This session will describe the surface anatomy of the vertebral column. This includes an investigation of the spinal regions and a section on how to identify the level of the various vertebrae.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the structure of the vertebral column
• Identify vertebrae from the different regions of the vertebral column
• Identify important structural landmarks which will help to identify the vertebrae

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should:

• Have an understanding of the basic anatomy and physiology of the vertebral column

The spine is composed of vertebrae, and intervertebral discs made of fibro-cartilage. There are 7 cervical, 12 thoracic and 5 lumbar vertebrae. In addition, there are 5 sacral vertebrae which are fused together with the coccyx.

Learning the surface anatomy allows us to practise interventional procedures such as epidurals, spinals and lumbar punctures without damaging the spinal cord.