Back Introduction and Structure of the Spine Flashcards
W1D1 Materals
You cannot feel the spinous process of the ______________ because of (explain why)
ligamentum nuchae.
Why? At the lower part of the spine, the ligament that runs overtop of the spinous processes is the supraspinous ligament. As that ligament travels up, it begins to become thicker until it eventually is the “ligamentum nuchae”. it serves to limit excessive flexion of the neck, and help bring the head to an upright position
The supracristal line passes through the tip of _______ spinous process
L4
C7 is also known as the _______
vertebrae prominens
The inferior angle lines up with _______
T7
The occipital nerve innervates and supplies __________________________
the posterior scalp
The occipital artery is off of the _________________ and supplies the __________________
external carotid artery and supplies the posterior scalp
The skin of the medial superior back is supplied by ______________ nerves and are considered _______________
cutaneous; dorsal rami
The medial cutaneous nerves of the back accompanied by ___________ and _____________
intercostal arteries and veins
What are the segments of the spine and how many vertebrae are in each
Cervial (7), thoracic (12), lumbar (5), sacral (5), coccyx (3-5 fused bones)
What is the function of the body of the vertebrae?
the body is the site of the intervertebral discs which therefore absorbs most of the force of the spine. this is also why most of the damange of the spine occurs here.
contains amphiarthrotic and cartilaginous joints (symphyses)
What is the function of the vertebral arch and what does it consist of?
consists of the lamina and pedicles
the function is to house and protect the spinous cord
What is the function of the spinous/transverse processes?
serve as a site of attachment for ligaments and muscles
What are the function of costal facets and where are they located?
serve as an attachment site for the ribs
they are located in the thoracic spine
What is the function of articular processes/facets
connect vertebrae to vertebrae. depending on the location, allows and limits a certain type of movement in the respected vertebrae
What is the function of the vertebral foramina?
holds spinal cord, cauda equina and menigeal coverings
What is the function of the vertebral notches?
transmit spinal nerves off of spinal cord
Describe the variations of the cervical vertebrae? And how would this variation explain its function?
bifid spinous process- provides space for nuchal ligament
flat articular surfaces- allows for the circumflexion of the neck
transverse foramina- houses the vertebral artery and vein
Describe the variations of the thoracic vertebrae? And how would this variation explain its function?
long spinous process- provides protection to the spinal cord
costal facets- used as a site for rib attachments
outward articular surfaces- allows for rotation of the spine (moves back and forth/ left and right on each other). limits flexion and extension/side bending
Describe the variations of the lumbar vertebrae? What is the lumbar spines function? And how would this variation explain its function?
thick bodies- site for thicker discs for shock absorption
bigger and more inward articular surfaces- prevents excessive rotation and allows for extension/ flexion of the back
Describe the variations of the atlas? What is the atlas function? And how would this variation explain its function?
vertebral foramen- dens to insert there to allow for rotation of the neck
transverse foramen- vertebral artery and vein to run out of
transverse ligament- to hold the dens/odontoid process in
occipital condyles- makes up the atlantoccipital joint
Describe the variations of the axis ? What is the axis function? And how would this variation explain its function?
dens- inserts into the vertebral foramen of the atlas to allow for rotation. makes up the atlantoaxial joint
bifid spinous process- allows space for nuchal ligament
Describe the variations of the sacrum? What is the sacrums function? And how would this variation explain its function?
- fused bone structure- allows it to support the weight of entire body and limit movement
- anterior/posterior foramina- exit of ventral and dorsal rami of sacral spinal nerves
- auricular surfaces- forms the sacroiliac joint of the hip
-median/lateral crest- serves as an attachement site for muscles and ligaments
-sacral hiatus- accesss the sacral and coccygeal nerve roots
-sacral canal- channel at the end of the spinal cord
Nucleus pulposus is remnant of the
umbillical cord
What is the function of intervertebral disks? How does it relate to the kinesiology of the spine?
-shock absorption
- the vertebral disks increase in size as your go down to the lumbar spine (only reminants in sacral spine), due to the emphasize of pressure that occurs in the lumbar (and part thoracic) spine
___ to ____ of total length of the spine is lost due to loss of ______ and ______
20-25%; fluid, shrinkage
Discs form _________________ joints. Explain what this means
amphiarthritic cartilaginous (limited movement)
Disc herniation tends to happen on what part of the disc? Explain why
posterior, due to the annulus fibrous being thinner in the posterior portion as well as a more thin posterior longitudinal ligament
Where does disc herniation most frequently occur?
L4-L5 or L5-S1
Describe the curvature of each segment of the spine and whether its a primary or secondary curve
Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
Sacral
cervical- concave posterior (secondary curve)
thoracic- concave anterior (primary curve)
lumbar- concave posterior (secondary curve)
sacral- concave anterior (primary curve)
Where does kyphosis occur in the spine?
thoracic and sacral spine
Where does lordosis occur in the spine?
lumbar spine
Where does scoliosis occur in the spine?
usually thoracic spine
Why can kyphosis occur?
fractures from osteoporosis
Why does lordosis occur?
compression of posterior lumbar discs
What are the functions of the following ligaments of the spine?
anterior longitudinal ligament
- prevents hyperextensiion
- resides on the anterior portion of the vertebral body
What are the functions of the following ligaments of the spine?
posterior longitudinal ligament
- limits flexion
- runs along the posterior side of the vertebral body
What are the functions of the following ligaments of the spine?
supraspinous ligament
-prevents hyperflexion
-stabilize the spine
- runs along spinous processes
What are the functions of the following ligaments of the spine?
interspinous ligament
connects spinous processes
What are the functions of the following ligaments of the spine?
intertransverse ligament
-connects transverse processes
- limits lateral bending
What are the functions of the following ligaments of the spine?
ligamentum flavum
- connects laminae together
- helps the keep the spine upright and helps bring spine back into position during flexion