ch 5 Flashcards
Vertebral column is triaxial, allowing movement in three planes
Sagittal plane
Flexion, extension, hyperextension
Frontal plane
Lateral flexion
Horizontal or transverse plane
Rotation
No rotation at C1
Motions of the
Pelvic Girdle
Anterior pelvic tilting
Posterior pelvic tilting
Lateral pelvic tilting
Forward pelvic rotation
Backward pelvic rotation
Pelvic girdle is integral to trunk motions
Lumbosacral joint is the most important
Connects pelvis to vertebral column
Every pelvic motion involves the vertebral column
Vertebral curves
Allow for structural support and strength
Referred to by location
Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, or coccygeal
Observed from posterior and lateral
Posterior curves
Cervical and lumbar—concave (normal lordosis)
Thoracic—convex (normal kyphosis)
Coccyx—convex but immovable
Pelvic tilt
Neutral
Ideal spinal alignment in standing
Normal vertebral curves preserved
Equal weight distribution across femurs in sitting
Erect spine
Allows for weight shift anterior, posterior, and lateral
Landmarks for observation are posterior superior iliac
spines, anterior superior iliac spines
Pelvic tilt
Anterior
Pelvis dips forward
Creates greater lordosis (convexity) in lumbar spine
Causes center of gravity to shift forward
May be caused by pregnancy, excessive abdominal weight,
or muscular imbalance
Pelvic tilt
Posterior
Tailbone tucks beneath body
Causes flattening of lumbar spine (or kyphosis)
Observation of Balance and
Postural Control
Center of gravity/line of gravity—line that falls just anterior to S2
vertebra
Base of support—area of body contact with surface
Static balance—maintenance of stationary position
Dynamic balance—maintenance of balance during movement
Orthopedic abnormalities
Scoliosis
Increased lumbar lordosis—generally reversible
Increased thoracic kyphosis—can be reversible or fixed
Increased cervical lordosis (forward head posture)
Orthopedic abnormalities
Pelvic rotation
One side of hip anterior to other
Pelvic obliquity
One side of hip higher than other
May occur with scoliosis
Kyphosis
Lumbar lordosis
Excessive curve, usually in thoracic spine
Posterior “hump”
Exacerbated curvature of lumbar spine
Often due to excessive anterior pelvic tilt
C1, or atlas, supports the cranium
Does not have a body
Flexion and extension occur here
C2, or axis, is pivot point of cervical spine and head
Dens, or odontoid process, short protrusion up into C1
Rotation occurs here
Characteristics of C3-C7
Body—Weight-bearing aspect, anterior
Foramen—Opening
Intervertebral foramen—Between vertebrae
Vertebral foramen—Central, where spinal cord passes
Neural arch—Posterior
Pedicle—Part of the arch
Transverse process
Union of lamina and pedicle
Attachment for ligaments and muscles to spine
Spinous process
Posterior projection
Attachment for ligaments and muscles to spine
C7—Unusually long spinous process, can palpate
Lamina
Part of arch, forms wall of spinal canal
Intervertebral disks
23
Absorb and transmit shock, allow flexibility
Annulus—External portion of disk
Nucleus pulposus—Inner portion of disk
12 vertebrae, T1-T12
Most stable aspect of spine
Most characteristics the same as in C3-C7
Facets here also articulate with the ribs
Five vertebrae, L1-L5
Support the weight of the body
Largest of the vertebrae
Articular processes are larger, limiting ROM
Flexion and extension possible
Rotation extremely limited
Five fused vertebrae, S1-S5
Triangular shape
Fit posteriorly between the two hip bones
Spine and Rib Cage—
Coccygeal Spine
Also called tailbone
Four rudimentary vertebrae
No movement occurs here
Rib Cage
Sternum
12 thoracic vertebrae
12 pairs
Three pairs of ribs, false ribs, attach to sternum via cartilage
Remaining two pairs of ribs are called floating
Body Structures of
the Pelvic Girdle
Three bones: sacrum and two iliac bones
Three joints: symphysis pubis and two sacroiliac joints
Hip bones formed by union of pubis, ilium, and ischium
Anterior union is symphysis pubis
Posterior union is sacroiliac joints
These unions are relatively immobile
Anterior union is symphysis pubis
Between the two pubic bones
Cartilaginous joint
Two ligaments providing additional support
Posterior union is sacroiliac joints
Synovial and syndesmosis
Fibrous joint where ligaments provide stability
Nonaxial
Ischial tuberosities
Support weight of body in seated position
Vulnerable to pressure ulcers
Clients who use wheelchairs need adequate support and
cushioning here
Pelvis is base of support for rest of body
Position of pelvis dictates seated posture
Proper seating options and positions crucial for optimal function
Intrasegmental ligaments
Hold vertebrae together
Includes ligamentum flavum, interspinous, and
intertransverse ligaments
Intersegmental
Prevent excessive motion
Anterior longitudinal ligament—anterior surface of vertebral
bodies, limits hyperextension
Posterior longitudinal ligament—posterior surface of
vertebral body inside vertebral foramen, limits flexion
Supraspinatus ligament—posterior surface of spinous
processes from C7 to sacrum, limits flexion
Nuchal ligament—posterior cervical region, limits flexion
Rectus abdominus
Two sides connect in center via linea alba
Flexes trunk, aids in respiration, enables compression of
internal organs
External oblique
Paired causes flexion, aids in exhalation and compression of
internal organs
Not paired causes lateral bending to the same side and trunk rotation to the opposite side
Internal oblique
Paired causes compression and aids in exhalation
Not paired causes lateral bending and rotation, both to the same side
Transverse abdominus
Deepest of the abdominal muscles
Fibers run horizontally
Therefore, does not cause trunk movement
Compresses abdomen
Deep
Transversospinalis—connect transverse process to spinous
process of adjacent vertebra
Intertransversarii—connect individual transverse processes
Superficial
Erector spinae—three distinct groups
Latissimus dorsi muscle
Trapezius
Erector spinae muscles include
Lateral iliocostalis muscles
Middle longissimus muscles
Most medial spinalis muscles
Generally perform extension but action dependent on task
Quadratus lumborum
Main action is pelvic elevation
Works in a force couple with gluteus medius in unilateral
stance
Balances postural distortions by realigning pelvis
Psoas and iliacus muscles
Although an aspect of the lower extremity, these muscles
stabilize the spine, especially in sitting
Latissimus dorsi muscle
Although a mover of the upper extremity, it also affects sitting
posture
Posture can affect actions of this muscle
Posterior pelvic tilt may affect upper extremity function
Sternocleidomastoid muscle
Largest neck flexor when it contracts bilaterally
Unilateral contraction causes rotation to the opposite side
and lateral flexion or bending
Scalene muscles
Three muscles deep to the sternocleidomastoid
Basically perform the same actions as the
sternocleidomastoid
Prevertebral muscles
Anterior aspect of cervical vertebrae
Flexion, specifically tucking the chin
