Axial Skeleton Flashcards
the vertebral column is part of the — skeleton
axial
what is included in the axial skeleton? (5)
cranium mandible spine ribs sternum
what are the two principle roles of the vertebral column?
to protect the spinal cord and to transfer loads from the head, trunk, and upper limb to the pelvis
human spine vs gorilla spine
humans have a signature s curve which allows for us to be officially bipedal, therefore our bodies were meant for walking
gorillas have just one curve (c shaped)
function if the intervertebral disc
to cushion between the vertebrae
primary curvature
the thoracic and sacral convex curvatures
secondary curvature
the cervical and lumbar concave curvatures
what is the indent in the middle of the back
median longitudinal furrow
what is c& spinous process
the part that protrudes at the base of the neck
where is the cervicothoracic junction?
C7
where is the scapular spine?
T3
where is the inferior scapular angle?
T7
where is the 12th rib?
T12
floating rib
where is the iliac crest?
L4
where is the greatest range of flexion?
the lumbar region
where does rotation of the trunk occur primarily?
the thoracic region
what are movements of the vertebral column are generally dictated by? (2)
shape and position of the superior and inferior articular facets
does the vertebral canal have more flexion or extension motion?
flexion
lateral flexion
moving the body laterally to the right or left
which region of the spine is the most mobile?
the cervical spine, need good range of motion to move our head
C1
atlas
C2
axis
total across craniocervical region flexion extension axial rotation lateral flexion
flexion: 45-50
extension: 85
axial rotation: 90
lateral flexion: 40
flexion of the cervical spine is impeded by
the vertebral column
what is the capsule of apophyseal joint responsible for?
rocking and rolling of the head on the neck
rotational vertebral artery occlusion
the course of the vertebral aa through the transverse formamina of C2 (axis) and C1 (atlas) as they become the basilar a make them vulnerable to impingement
in certain cases, when the neck is rotated, rotational vertebral artery occlusion can occur through (3)
- osteoarthritis/bone spurs
- rapid and/or forceful twisting of the head and neck
- atherosclerosis/arteriosclerosis of the vertebral aa
occlusion of the arteries can lead to (3)
- vertigo/dizziness
- syncope (fainting)
- visual disturbance
flexion and extension in the thoracic region is relatively limited due to (4)
- presence of ribs-shape and orientation of articular and spinous processes
- ligaments
- relative thinness and intervertebral discs
exception to the flexion and extension of the thoracic region is
T12, which resembles a lumbar vertebra (transitional)
flexion and extension of the lumbar region is
relatively free
flexion and extension of the lumbar region is least at — and greatest at —
least: thoracolumbar junction (T12-L1)
greatest: lumbosacral junction (L5-S1)