5.3 Spine anatomy and Biomechanics Flashcards
How many vertebrae are there in each section?
7C
12 T
5 L
Sacrum
What is unique about the cervical vertebrae
Bifid spinous processes for the attachment of ligamentum nuchae
Presence of the transverse foramen for the vertebral artery and vein
What is the body: canal ratio for each vertebrae/
C: 1:1
T 3:1
L 5:1
What are the names of C1 and C2
1: Atlas
2: Axis
In what plane do the articular processes lie?
C: transverse
T: coronal
L: saggital
What is the unique feature of the thoracic vertebrae?
3 costal facet joints on each side
With what ribs do each thoracic vertebrae articulate?
The one of the same number and the one below
What is the distinguishing feature of the lumbar vertebrae?
Long transverse process for attachment of the lumbar muscles and a large body
What are the erector spinae muscles?
Semispinalis, spinalis, longissimus and iliocostalis
What are the cancers that commonly metastasise to the spine and why?
Lung, breast and bowel
These veins do not have valves so you get retrograde spread through the venous system
Where does the nerve root exit?
above the vertebrae of the same name
Where does the spinal cord terminate
L1 in adults
What prevents excessive movements of the spine?
The back muscles - they protect the bones from exceeding their limits and cause a dampening effect
What are the layers of the IV disc and what is each layer made of?
Inner = nucleus propolsus (mainly water) Outer = annulus fibrosis (mostly collagen)
What increases or decreases the inter-disc pressure?
Lying down reduces by 50%
Sitting increases by 50% due to the loss of lumbar lordosis
