Clinical Anatomy of the Spine Flashcards
What 3 structures does the spine support
Head
Body
Limbs
What are the 3 functions of the spine
To support other structures
To transmit and protect neurological structure (spinal column and nerve routes)
Allow movement and flexibility
Where is the position of the spine
As near to the centre of the body as possible
What part of the spine is it that we can palpate on examination and where are these anatomically
The spinous processes - most posterior spinal element
What are the 5 regions of the spine and how many vertebra are in each region?
Cervical (7) Thoracic (12) Lumbar (5) Sacral (5) Coccygeal (4)
What are the 2 names given to describe the natural curvature of the spine
Kyphotic and lordotic
What do the natural curves in the spine provide
resisitance and elasticity in distributing body weigh and axial loads sustained during movement
They help the body support adjoining structures
Where does the vervical region join cranially
Via the occiput
What are the largest type of vertebrae in the body
Lumbar
Why does each vertebra have a slightly different shape
Due to performing a slightly different funciton
what connects the transverse process to the spinous process
Lamina
Describe the shape of the spinous process in the thoracic region
They point downwards
Describe the shape of the spinous process in the lumbar region
They are transverse
What are the posterior elements of the vertebrae
Everything but the vertebral body
Describe the appearance of the vertebrae in the thoracic region
Small pedicles and long spinous processes
More vertical facet joints
Limited ROM
Describe the appearance of the vertebrae in the lumbar region
Longer, wider pedicles (stronger)
The spinous processes are horizontal
More horizontal facet joints
What is the main purpose of the facet joints
To stabilise the spinal column whilst allowing movement
What type of joints are facet joints
Synovial joints
Why are facet joints important clinically
OA
Pain
Osteophytes can cause nerve root impingement
Where does the facet capsule lie in relation to the facet joint
It overlies the facet joint
What bones make up the upper cervical region of the spine
C1 and C2
What bones make up the lower cervical region of the spine
C3-7
What is the name given to C1
Atlas
Describe the appearance of C1
It has no body
Articulates with the occiput of the skull
What is the name given to C2
Axis
What is the special feature belonging to C2
The dens process - blunt tooth like projection
Also known as the ondontoid proess
What movement does the dens provide and what does this allow?
Pivot allowing the atlas and head to rotate around the dens
What is the purpose of the sacroiliac joints
Shock absorption whilst allowing movement
Stability
Weight bearing
Why are sacroiliac joints important clinically
OA
sacroilitis
SIJ dysfunciton
What movements does the atlanto - occupital joint allow
Flexion/ extension and lateral flexions
What movements does the atlanto-dens joint allow
rotations (with dens acting as pivot
What is the first palpable vertebra
C7
What is the most palpable vertebra
T1
What causes the thoracic segment to be relatively fixed
THe thoracic rib cage
In what 2 places is there the greatest risk of injury
Cervico-thoracic and thoraco-lumbar junciton
Describe the structure of the peripheral annulus fibrosus
Thin posteriorly
Can rupture
Describe the structure of the central nucleus pulposus
Gelatinous, semi fluid
If your disc is going to rupture, in what direction will it most likely rupture
Posteriorly
How much of the spine are the intervertebral discs responsible for
1/4 of the length of the spine
Secondary curvature of the spine
What is the purpose of having ligaments
Add to the stability of the spinal column
Name the 5 ligaments of the spine
Anterior longitudinal ligament Posterior longitudinal ligament Ligament flavum Supraspinous ligament Intraspinous ligaments
Where do the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligmanets run
The length of the vertebral column