Test the range of motion of the different regions of the vertebral column and describe the anatomical basis for your findings using osteological specimens

Question 1

Give the 3 different movements / pairs of movements about the vertebral columns you can use to test range of motion

Answer 1

1. Flexion / extension - bending forwards (flexion) and backwards (extension)
2. Lateral flexion - bending side to side
3. Rotation

Question 2

Detail the range of motion of different regions of the vertebral column

Answer 2

FLEXION / EXTENSION:

• Cervical (C1-C7) = large range of motion
• Upper thorax (T1-T7) = no range of motion
• Lower thorax (T7-T12) = very limited range of motion
• Lumbo-sacrum (L1-S4) = large range of motion

LATERAL FLEXION:

• Cervical (C1-C7) = large range of motion
• Upper Thorax (T1-T7) = limited range of motion
• Lower Thorax (T7-T12) = large range of motion
• Lumbo-sacrum (L1-S4) = limited range of motion

ROTATION:

• Cervical (C1-C7) = large range of motion
• Upper Thorax (T1-T7) = very limited range of motion
• Lower Thorax (T7-T12) = large range of motion
• Lumbo-sacral (L1-S4) = no range of motion

Question 3

Explain the reasons for why you get these range of motions with the anatomical basis of these different regions of the vertebral column

Answer 3

• Cervical - the atlanto-occipital joint and atlanto-axial joints allow great range of movement
• Upper thorax - movement is restricted by the ribs and flexion / extension is prevented due to the long articular processes of the vertebra which prevent the vertebrae pivoting on one another
• Lower thorax - the ribs here are ‘floating’ so restrict movement less
• Lumbo-sacral - vertebral processes are optimised for flexion and extension, and the articulations with each vertebra prevent rotation since they’re vertical