Back and Vertebral Column Flashcards
Back functions
support, movement, and protection
Which curvatures are primary and secondary?
Primary (concave ant): thoracic and sacral/coccygeal
Secondary (concave post): cervical and lumbar
What is the main purpose of secondary curvatures
they bring the COG into a vertical line; allow BW to be balanced over vertebral column
Extrinsic vs. intrinsic muscles (type, location, innervation)
Extrinsic - move UL (superficial) and ribs (intermediate); innervated by anterior rami of spinal n’s
Intrinsic - maintain posture and move vertebral column; innervated by posterior rami of spinal n’s; support and move vertebra column, participate in head movements
Two major types of joints between vertebrae?
-symphysis between vertebral bodies and
-synovial (facet) joints on articular processes
What is the symphysis (disc) made of?
annulus fibrous and nucleus pulposus
3 protective layers of the SC. Where is CSF found?
-dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater
-in subarachnoid space between arachnoid and pia mater
How many pairs of spinal n’s are there?
31; 8 pairs c/s, 12 t/s, 5 l/s, 5 sacral, 1 coccygeal
What is transmitted in anterior and posterior roots?
anterior - transmit motor signals
posterior - return sensory signals
Root vs rami
root = connection of spinal n w/ SC
rami -> spinal n -> root
Posterior vs anterior ramus
posterior - smaller, innervates the back
anterior - larger, innervates most regions of the body; form somatic plexuses; major visceral components of PNS
Where do spinal n exit? How are they formed?
-intervertebral foramen
-formed between adjacent vertebral arches
What is the cauda equina formed by?
lumbar and sacral n roots
Where does SC end?
between T12 and L2; doesn’t extend entire length of vertebral canal
