Anatomy of the Back Flashcards
1
Q
cervical
A
1-7
2
Q
thoracic
A
1-12
3
Q
lumbar
A
L1-L5
4
Q
sacral
A
S1-S5 (fused)
5
Q
Coccygeal
A
4 fused
6
Q
functions of the vertebral column
A
- protects spinal cord
- small movements between any two adjacent vertebra allows for large, overall, VC movements (between C1-S1)
- stable attachment for skeletal muscles (locomotion, posture, balance)
7
Q
primary curvatures
A
- thoracic and sacral
- concave anterior/convex posterior, deveolop during fetal period
- due to difference in height between the anterior and posterior parts of the vetebral bones
8
Q
secondary curvatures
A
- cervical/lumbar curvatures
- at the end of embryonic development and post-natally
- due to development of muscles (baby lifting head “C” & baby walking “L”)
- also due to thickness between anterior and posterior parts of the IV disks
9
Q
kyphosis
A
- hunch back
- excessive primary curvature (thoracic and sacral)
- caused by: chronic poor posture, osteoporosis, compression fx, disuse atrophy of deep back muscles
10
Q
scoliosis
A
- curved back
- abnormal lateral curvature (from posterior view of VC)
- caused by: rotation of the vertebra due to asymmetric weakness of intrinsic back muscles and/or differences in length of lower limbs
11
Q
kyphoscoliosis
A
- scoliosis accompanied by increased thoracic kyphosis
- most prevelant in adolescent girls (80% are idopathic)
12
Q
lordosis
A
- hollowback, sway back
- excessive secondary curvature (cervical & lumbar)
- caused by: weak antero-lateral abdominals (cause superior sacrum to rotate anterior-inferior)
***temporary in women during late-gestation (gravity)
13
Q
List the processes of a “typical” vertebra
A
1 spinous
2 transverse
2 superior articular facet processes
2 inferior articular facet processes
14
Q
vertebra arch
A
- made of: R/L pedicles, R/L lamina, R/L transverse process,
- function: posterior-lateral protection of the spinal cord, attachment points for deep back muscles, helps determine relative motion between vertebra
