10/6 Questions Flashcards
Where is ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament most commonly identified?
cervical spine with an 80% incidence
What is the clinical sign of the posterior longitudinal ligament ossification in the cervical spine?
a loss of hand and finger dexterity
What is the clinical sign of posterior longitudinal ligament ossification in the lumbar spine?
faltering gait
What is the gender, age, and ethnic bias associated with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament?
it is greater in males over 50 and has a higher incidence in the Japanese
At one time ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament was an example of what condition?
Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis or DISH
What are the specific bony attaching sites for the ligamentum flavum?
the laminae
What will the ligamentum flavum attach to in addition to the lamina?
they may blend with the capsular ligament of the zygapophysis
How many ligamenta flava will attach to the lamina of a cervical segment?
two: one with upper margin of the lamina and one with the lower margin
In which region of the spine will the ligamentum flavum be paired?
the lumbar spine
How many ligamenta flava will attach to the lamina of a lumbar segment?
four: two with the upper margin of the lamina and two with the lower margin
What is the relationship of the ligamentum flavum to the vertebral foramen?
it forms the posterior boundary of the spinal canal
What is the name given to the ligamentum flavum based on appearance and histology?
it is a yellow elastic ligament
What fibers are most ligaments made up of?
collagen type 1 fibers which are whitish in appearance
What is the color of most ligaments in the body?
they are whitish
What is the function of the ligamentum flavum?
it brakes or limits flexion of the vertebral column
What is now thought to be a major function of the ligamentum flavum?
it is an early prime factor in extension of the vertebral column
Where is ossification of the ligamentum flavum most commonly identified?
the thoracic spine or thoracolumbar transition zone
What is the relationship between the capsular ligament and mobility?
the more lax/loose the capsular ligament is, the greater the motion of the joint
What regions of the vertebral column demonstrate the greatest laxity of capsular ligaments?
the cervical and lumbar regions
In which region of the vertebral column will the capsular ligament be tightest?
the thoracic region
What layers are present in the capsular ligament?
a superficial layer of collagen fibers and a deep layer of elastic fibers
The capsular ligament may blend with which other common ligament?
ligamentum flavum
What muscle will blend with the capsular ligament posteriorly?
multifidis
What is the pattern of innervation for the zygapophysis capsular ligament?
it is typically innervated by 3 spinal nerves
If the zygapophyseal capsular ligament is not significantly involved in restricting motion what is its’ function?
it is probably involved in proprioceptive feedback to the muscles stabilizing the vertebral couple during movement
What vertebral levels will the interspinous ligament be attached to?
those between C2 and S1 inclusive are traditionally indicated
What is the status of the human interspinous ligament compared with other common ligaments?
they are poorly developed as ligaments although collagen fibers are present
What is the status of cervical interspinous ligament?
it is lacking, poorly developed, or simply considered the deep anterior part of the ligamentum nuchae
What is the status of the thoracic interspinous ligament?
it is narrow and elongated reflecting the shape of the spinous process
What is the status of the lumbar interspinous ligament?
it is broad and thick with three layers identified from anterior to posterior
What is the classic function of the interspinous ligament?
it brakes or limits flexion of the vertebral column
What is now thought to be a major function of the interspinous ligament?
it is more likely a proprioceptive transducer for the spinal reflex
What are the layers of the ligamentum nuchae?
a superficial and deep layer are identified
What is the name given to the superficial layer of the ligamentum nuchae?
the funicular layer or part
What is the name given to the deep layer of the ligamentum nuchae?
the lamellar layer or part
What is the function of the posterior longitudinal ligament?
brakes or limits flexion of the vertebral column
