What is the difference between vertebral foramen and intervertebral foramen?
The vertebral foramen provides for passage of the spinal cord. The intervertebral foramen is the opening formed between adjacent vertebrae for the exit of a spinal nerve.
What nerve is in the intervertebral foramen?
A number of structures pass through the foramen. These are the root of each spinal nerve, the spinal artery of the segmental artery, communicating veins between the internal and external plexuses, recurrent meningeal (sinu-vertebral) nerves, and transforaminal ligaments.
What is inside intervertebral foramen?
What is the function of the intervertebral discs?
The inter- vertebral disc serves primarily to allow movement between adjacent vertebral bodies, to absorb shock, and to transmit loads through the vertebral column. The complex morphology and structure of the intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine reflects these functions.
What happens if the intervertebral foramen narrows?
If the neural foramen narrows enough for a nerve root to become compressed, it can lead to: back or neck pain. numbness or weakness of the hand, arm, foot or leg. shooting pain going down the arm.
Where are intervertebral discs?
Intervertebral discs are located between each vertebra from C2-C3 to L5-S1. Combined, they make up one fourth the height of the spinal column. The discs act as shock absorbers to the loads placed on the spine and allow movement of the spine.
What are the 3 functions of the intervertebral discs?
An intervertebral disc (or intervertebral fibrocartilage) lies between adjacent vertebrae in the vertebral column. Each disc forms a fibrocartilaginous joint (a symphysis), to allow slight movement of the vertebrae, to act as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together, and to function as a shock absorber for the spine.
What are the two main roles of intervertebral discs?
The intervertebral discs have the following functions: They provide cushioning for the vertebrae and reduce the stress caused by impact. By keeping the vertebrae separated from each other, they act as a type of shock absorber for the spine. They help protect the nerves that run down the spine and between the vertebrae.