Back Flashcards
What is the function of the vertebral column?
- supports the trunk, head, and limbs
- protects the spinal cord
- provides sites of attachment for muscles
What is the structure of the vertebral column?
- bones = vertebra (33)
- connective tissues = IVD and ligaments
What does the vertebral foramen contain?
- spinal cord
- spinal nerve cords
The vertebral column is a apart of what skeleton?
axial
What are the branches of the spinal nerve? Where are they located?
ventral and dorsal; located in intervertebral foramen
What is the purpose of the ventral primary and dorsal primary ramus?
- ventral: innervates superficial (extrinsic) back muscles
- dorsal: innervates deep (intrinsic) back muscles
Which branch of the spinal nerve run anteriorly? Which runs posteriorly?
- ant: ventral
- post: dorsal
What 2 parts join together at vert. 7 and rib 7?
sup. coastal facet and inf. articular surface of head of rib
connects vertebrae to rib
What 2 parts join together at vert. 6 and rib 7?
inf. coastal facet and sup. articular surface of rib below
What 2 parts join together at the same rib (7)?
articular surface of transverse and tubercle of the same rib
What are muscles enveloped by?
connective tissue
What attaches muscles to bones?
tendons or aponeurosis (broad, flat tendon)
What is isometric movement?
muscle does NOT shorten; no movement occurs
What is isotonic movement?
muscle shortens and movement occurs
Can muscles pull or push?
only pull as they contract
What is the function of the spinous process?
site of attachment for muscles/ligaments
What is the function of the transverse process?
- site of attachment for muscles/ligaments
- articulates with ribs (thoracic vertebrae only)
What vertebrae bone structure connects the transverse and spinous processes?
lamina
What vertebrae bone structure connects the vertebral body to the transverse process?
pedicles
What contains the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots?
vertebral foramen
What are the anterior and posterior portions of the vertebrae bone structure?
- posterior: neural arch
- anterior: vertebral body
What is the anulus fibrosis?
outer cartilaginous part
What 2 parts make up the IVD?
anulus fibrosis and nucleus pulposus
What is the nucleus pulposus?
inner gel-like part
Where is the IVD located?
in between each vertebrae
What 2 parts of the cervical vertebrae DO NOT have an IVD?
C1 and C2
What is the function of the synovial joint?
- connects sup. articular facet with inf. articular facet
- minimal movement
Which primary ramus forms the nerve plexus?
ventral
What muscles make up the nerve plexus?
- cervical plexus
- brachial plexus
- lumbar plexus
- sacral plexus