Back Flashcards
What are the two components of intervertebral dics?
- annulus fibrosis
- nucleus pulposus
What is a herniated disc?
Where the annulus fibrosis ruptures and the nucleus pulposus slips out
3 main ligaments of the vertebral column?
- anterior longitudinal ligament
- posterior longitudinal ligament
- ligamentum flavum
What is ligamentum nuchae?
Attaches from cervical to occipital protuberance. Allows for muscle attachment
How does the ligamentum nuchae allow for muscle attachment?
Due to protrusion posterity
Where is the annulus fibrosis anatomically thinner?
Posterolateral
What are the three layers of back muscles?
- Superficial muscles
- Intermediate muscles
- Deep muscles
What are the two main superficial muscles?
- trapezius
- latissimus Dorsi
What is the main intermediate muscle?
Serratus posterior
What are the two groups of deep muscles?
- Erector spinae
2. Transversospinalis
Where is the Transversospinalis muscles located?
Between transverse and spinous process of vertebrae
What are the 4 main palpable Bony structures?
- Vertebra prominens (tip of c7)
- Thoracic spinous process
- Spine of scapula which aligns with T3
- Sacral triangle where the base is S2 and apex at S3
Is the narrowing of the vertebral canal normal?
Yes due to variation
Where does the spinal chord start and finish?
Begins at foramen magnum at medulla oblongata and conus medullaris terminates at L1/2
What is the cauda equina?
Group of nerves coming from the spinal chord. Looks like a horses tail
What are the 3 main parts of the spinal nerve
2 roots
Body
2 rami
What is the blood supply to the spinal cord
- Anterior spinal artery
- 2 posterior spinal arteries
What are the meninges of the spinal cord?
- Pia mater
- Arachnoid mater
- Dura mater
What is the periradicular recess?
Subarachnoid space around the spinal cord filled with CSF
What is the cauda equina formed by?
Numerous roots of the lumbar, sacral and coccygeal spinal nerves
- each root is covered by Pia mater
What is the filum terminale?
extension of Pia mater that anchors down the conus medullaris and cauda equina
What are the structures contained in the vertebral canal superior to L1?
- spinal cord
- meninges
- posterior longitudinal ligament
- internal vertebral Venous plexus
- epidural fat
What are the structures contained in the vertebral canal inferior to L1?
- cauda equina
- meninges
- posterior longitudinal ligament
- internal vertebral venous plexus
- epidural fat
What is contained the the epidural space?
- epidural fat
- posterior longitudinal ligament
- internal vertebral venous plexus
What does the intervertebral foramen approximate the same length as the
Space where the body of the spinal nerve
What are the radicular arteries?
Supply blood to the vertebral body and epidural space
