Back, spine and spinal cord

Question 1

What is the back composed mainly of?

Answer 1

Mainly skeletal muscle and bone

Question 2

Functions of the back

Answer 2

Maintenance of posture, movement of limbs and trunk

Question 3

Skin “dimples” above the buttock indicate the position of what landmark?

Answer 3

PSIS (posterior superior iliac spine)

Question 4

Extrinsic muscles of the back and their function?

Answer 4

Attach back to pectoral girdle and move upper limb.

Levator scapulae
Trapezius
Rhomboids
Latissmus dorsi

Question 5

Intrinsic muscles of the back and their function?

Answer 5

Located entirely within the back
Work to move the spine and maintain posture.
Support the spine
Extend the spine

There are 2 main groups:
Erector spinae (superficial)
Trensversospinalis (deep)

Question 6

How many vertebrae in total?

Answer 6

33 in total

7 cervical (C1-C7)
12 thoracic (T1-T12)
5 lumbar (L1-L5)
5 sacral (fused to form 1 sacrum)
4 coccygeal (fused to form 1 coccyx)

Question 7

Vertebrae become smaller from superior to inferior. True/false?

Answer 7

False, the become larger as they have to bear more weight the more inferior they are.

Question 8

Name of C1 vertebrae and characteristics?

Answer 8

Atlas - does not have a body or spinous process - instead has a posterior and an anterior arch.

Question 9

C2 vertebrae characteristics?

Answer 9

Has an odontoid process (where C1 inserts).

Question 10

C7 is the first palpable spinous process in around 70% of people. True/false?

Answer 10

True

Question 11

What are atlanto - occipital joints?

Answer 11

Synovial joint with loose capsule that enables some movements such as nodding “yes” or shaking “no”.

Question 12

Main movement of atlanto-axial joints?

Answer 12

Rotation of neck