Core Anatomy Flashcards
What are the superficial back muscles?
Trapezius
Levator Scapulae
Rhomboids (major, minor)
Latissimus Dorsi
S.I.T.S. (Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis)
What does the Trapezius do?
Moves the scapula in 3 directions.
What does the Levator Scapulae do?
Pulls the scapula up, superficially. AKA elevates the scapula.
What do the Rhomboids (major and minor) do?
Retract the scapula, or pull it backwards toward the spine.
What does the Latissimus Dorsi do?
Moves the arms.
How many muscles make up the rotator cuff?
Four
4
What are the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff? (S.I.T.S.)
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Teres Minor
- Subscapularis
Although it’s one of the smaller muscles of the rotator cuff, which is commonly injured and beneficial to pay attention to?
Supraspinatus
What are the bones of the posterior trunk?
- Spine
- Ribs
- Scapula
- Pelvis
What are the functions of the bones of the posterior thorax?
- Support the body and allow for movement.
- Offer protection for organs and spinal cord.
- The structure of the spine allow action in many different directions. (Forward, backwards, and twist.)
What is the spine otherwise known as?
Vertebral Column
How many Cervical Vertebrae are there?
Seven
7
How many Thoracic Vertebrae are there?
Twelve
12
How many Lumbar Vertebrae are there?
Five
5
How many fused vertebrae make up the Sacrum?
Five
5
How many fused Vertebrae make up the Coccyx (tailbone)?
Three to Five
3-5
What’s an easy way to remember the number of each type of vertebra in the Vertebral Column (Spine)?
Breakfast is at 7 (Cervical Vertebra)
Lunch is at 12 (Thoracic Vertebra)
Dinner is at 5 (Lumbar Vertebra)
You get 1 dessert (Sacrum)
What range of movement do the Cervical Vertebrae have?
High movement
What range of movement do the Thoracic Vertebrae have?
Little movement
What range of movement do the Lumbar Vertebrae have?
High movement
What range of movement does the Sacrum have?
Almost no movement
Although they are made up of several fused vertebrae, how many bones are the sacrum and coccyx each considered to be?
One
1
What determines the shape of the vertebral bones?
The region of the spine they are found in.
How many regions of movable vertebrae are there in the spine, and what are they?
Three
3:
Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
What are the structures on vertebrae that stick out?
Processes
What is the purpose of the processes on vertebrae?
They provide attachment points for muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Why are all processes considered endangerment sites, especially the spinous processes?
Because they are bony projections (landmarks) that are close to the surface, making them more susceptible to injury or damage from external forces. The spinous process sticks out directly from the back.
What is the hollow part in the middle of the vertebra called?
Foramen or “Hole”
Def: Foramen
The hollow part in the middle of the vertebra.
What is the purpose of the Foramen?
Allows the spinal cord to pass through while protecting it.
What exists between every single vertebra in the spine?
A joint
What does each joint on the vertebral column have to cushion movements and impacts?
An intervertebral disk
What type of tissue makes up the intervertebral disk?
Connective tissue
What are Articulation Points?
Where movement happens. AKA, a joint
What does it mean to look at something from a Transverse View?
To look at a cross-section of the body or structure from a horizontal slice. This can be from above or below, showing how it looks cut across horizontally.
Where on the vertebra would you find the intervertebral disk?
The Body
What do the Transverse Processes connect to?
The Ribs
What is the dip between the spinous process and transverse process called space where some of the deeper muscles of the back run through?
Interlaminar Space or Laminar Groove
What should you be cautious of when working in the Interlaminar Space (or Laminar Groove)?
Not accidentally contacting the transverse processes or spinous processes, as these are endangerment sites.
Def: Interlaminar Space or Laminar Groove
The dip between the spinous process and transverse process where some of the deeper muscles of the back run through
How do the vertebrae and associated structures work together to protect the spinal cord and nerves?
The vertebrae have many points of articulation or joints that protect the spinal cord. Nerves branch off from the spinal cord at each vertebra and exit through openings in the bone. Intervertebral disks cushion the vertebrae from impact and friction. Misalignment or issues with these structures can pinch nerves or affect muscles.
What does the Scapula articulate with?
The Clavicle and the Humerus
Why is there no official posterior joint for the Scapula?
The Scapula does not articulate directly with any bones of the back.
Why is the Scapula sometimes called a “Floating Joint”?
The Scapula is held in place with the muscles in the back.
What are important bony landmarks of the Scapula?
The Spine and Medial/Vertebral Border
What two processes on the scapula are closest to the arm?
The Acromion Process and the Coracoid Process. The Acromion Process extends laterally to form the highest point of the shoulder, while the Coracoid Process is situated more anteriorly and inferiorly.
Is massage under the floating ribs okay?
Yes, but use light pressure.
Is massage under the scapula okay?
Yes, pretty deeply if you are slow and careful. Not every client will be able to have that work done depending on their muscle tension and unique anatomy.
Def: Spinous Processes
The processes that stick directly out of the back.
Are Transverse Processes bony landmarks?
Yes, but they’re much deeper so they’re not as prominent.
Why are the Floating Ribs endangerment sites?
They’re easy to fracture and the kidneys are right underneath.
What are the bony landmarks of the Posterior Trunk?
*Spinous Processes
*Transverse Processes
*Floating Ribs
*Scapula
-Spine
-Medial Border
*PSIS / Posterior Superior Illiac Spine
Def: Aponeurosis
A large sheet of connective tissue that acts as a tendon over a large area of attachment.
What is a large sheet of connective tissue that acts as a tendon over a large area of attachment called?
Aponeurosis
On muscle charts, what does a large piece of white tissue probably represent?
An aponeurosis
What is a reason we have to be careful around the neck and the glutes?
There is a large concentration of nerves that goes through the hip area as well as neck and shoulders. A the reason we have to be so careful with the glutes is that we don’t want to pinch on anything or make any deep muscles tighten up that could potentially impinge on the sciatic nerves and cause that shooting pain down the client’s leg.
What are the Posterior Trunk Endangerments?
*Spinous Processes
*Scapula
*Kidneys
*Floating Ribs
*Lymph Nodes at the armpits and kidneys
*Nerves (especially around the cervical area)
What are the Posterior Trunk Contraindications?
*Disk issues and spinal cord problems
*Fused vertebra
*Pinched nerves (common at the neck and shoulders)
*Any curvature of the spine like Scoliosis, pronounced Kyphosis or Lordosis
*Osteoporosis (easy to cause fractures)
*Kidney issues (we already watch out for kidney issues, but especially when we’re working where the kidneys are)
*All “regular” contraindications like: skin conditions, injury, blood pressure issues, infection, illness, etc.
How many muscles are in the Erector Spinae Group?
Three
3
What are the 3 muscles that make up the Erector Spinae Group?
Iliocostalis
Longissimus
Spinalis
What does the Erector Spinae muscle group do?
Straightens, extends, or rotates the back to the same side
How does the Erector Spinae Group affect tension in the body?
Because the Erector Spinae Group runs from the sacrum to the head, it can transmit lumbar tension to the head or head tension to the lumbar.
Where is the Intercostals muscle group located?
Between the ribs, deep to the Pectoralis muscles
What does it mean when a muscle is described as “superficial to” another muscle?
It means the muscle is located above or closer to the surface of the body compared to the other muscle
What does it mean when a muscle group is described as “deep to” another muscle?
It means the muscle group is located beneath the other muscle