Back and Vertebral Column

Question 1

Posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 1

narrow ligament running within the vertebral canal. This ligament resists hyperflexion of the vertebral column and helps prevent posterior herniation of the nucleus pulposus. It is well innervated with
nociceptive (pain) nerve endings

Question 2

Anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 2

a long, broad band that connects the antero- lateral aspects of the vertebral bodies and IV discs. Connects the occipital bone to the sacrum. This ligament prevents hyperextension of the vertebral column
and maintains stability of the joints between the vertebral bodies

Question 3

Ligamenta flava

Answer 3

Connect the lamina of adjoining vertebra, these ligaments resist separation of the vertebral lamina by limiting abrupt flexion of the vertebral column

Question 4

Intervertebral discs

Answer 4

Cushion-like pads between vertebrae, act as shock absorbers, account for about 25%
of the height of the vertebral column, composed of nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus

Question 5

Nucleus pulposus

Answer 5

• the gelatinous inner sphere of the disc
• enables the spine to absorb compressive stresses.
• Malleable and distortable during movement of the IV discs, antero-posterior/flexion-extension, or lateral
  bending of the vertebral column

Question 6

Anulus fibrosus

Answer 6

• an outer collar of ligaments and fibrocartilage.
• functions to bind vertebrae together, resist tension, and absorb compressive forces

Question 7

Cervical

Answer 7

range and variety of movement of
all the vertebral regions. Small in size, bear less weight that thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions

Question 8

Thoracic

Answer 8

attachment for the ribs

Question 9

Lumbar

Answer 9

Bear majority of the weight of the body, each lumbar vertebrae have a large vertebral body, little rotation is possible

Question 10

Sacral

Answer 10

5 fused vertebrae, connects the vertebral
column to the pelvis. The weight bearing forces move through the sacrum to the lower limb

Question 11

Coccyx

Answer 11

4 fused vertebrae. Remnant of the tail, does not bear weight when standing, however, can flex when sitting, indicating some weight bearing

Question 12

Thoracic and sacral curvatures

Answer 12

primary – convex posteriorly

Question 13

Cervical and lumbar curvatures

Answer 13

secondary – concave posteriorly

Question 14

Vertebrae structure

Answer 14

Body (centrum), Vertebral arch, together, the body and arch enclose an opening,
called the vertebral foramen, the arch consists of two parts – 2 pedicles
(sides of the arch) and 2 laminae (posteriorly).
- 1 spinous process – projects posteriorly
- 2 transverse processes – project laterally

Question 15

Atlas

Answer 15

C1, lacks a body and a spinous process, supports the skull, allows flexion and
extension of the neck: nodding the head “yes”

Question 16

Axis

Answer 16

C2, has a body and a spinous process, dens (odontoid process) projects superiorly, formed as a result of fusion of the body of the atlas with the axis, acts as a pivot for rotation of the atlas and skull, participates in rotating the head from side to side: shaking the head to indicate “no”

Question 17

Transverse processes

Answer 17

contain transverse foramina – for passage of the vertebral blood vessels

Question 18

Superficial (Extrinsic) Muscle Group

Answer 18

Posterior Axio-Appendicular Muscles
- Function - movements of the upper limb
(scapula)

Question 19

Trapezius

Answer 19

elevates, retracts, and depresses the
scapula, nerve (CN11), Three ‘heads’ to the muscle; divided, in part, by the orientation of the muscle fibers: descending (superior part) elevates scapula, ascending (inferior part) depresses scapula, middle part retracts the scapula, muscle working together rotates glenoid cavity superiorly (shoulder joint capsule)

Question 20

Levator scapulae

Answer 20

elevates the scapula, C3, C4, C5, rotates the scapula (glenoid cavity inferiorly), small tubular shaped muscle

Question 21

Rhomboids (major and minor)

Answer 21

retract the scapula. C4, C5, both muscles work in unison

Question 22

Latissimus dorsi

Answer 22

Extends, adducts and medially rotates the humerus, thoracodorsal nerve, raises body towards arms (climbing), broad, thin muscle with a wide origin and narrow insertion

Question 23

Deep (Intrinsic) Muscle Group

Answer 23

• Function – trunk extension and posture
  maintenance.
• Innervation – dorsal rami of spinal nerves
• muscles extend from the skull to the pelvis and form 3 columns

Question 24

Superficial

Answer 24

splenius – extends the head

Question 25

Intermediate

Answer 25

erector spinae group – extensors when
acting bilaterally – the largest group of deep back muscles, unilaterally flexes the vertebral column

Question 26

Deep

Answer 26

transversospinales group – assist in spine
extension, rotation, and stabilization, posterior rami of spinal nerves, extension of the vertebral column