DITHM EXAM - WEEK 4 - Spinal Biomechanics

Question 1

At what level in the cervical spine does rotation mostly occur?

Answer 1

C0/C1 - Flexion/Extension

C1/C2 - Rotation

C3-C7 - Lateral Flexion

Question 2

What are the atypical vertebrae of each region of the spine (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar)?
What makes them atypical?

Answer 2

Cervical:
C1 - Has posterior tubercle instead of a spinous process.
C2 - Has the dens.
C7 - Elongated and non - bifid spinous process.

Thoracic:
T1 - Has complete superior costal facets and a prominent spinous process.
T9 - Has no inferior demifacet so does not connect to the 10th .
T10 - T12 - Single costal facets.

Lumbar:
L5 - It is larger then the other Lumbar vertebrae.

Question 3

What are the common ligaments of the spine?
What is the function of each one?

Answer 3

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament:
- Limits spinal extension.

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament:
- Limits spinal flexion.

Ligamentum Flavum:
- Maintains posture and prevents vertebral separation.

Interspinous Ligament:
- Limits flexion by restricting spinous process separation.

Ligamentum Nuchae:
- Supports the head.

Intertransverse Ligament:
- Provides lateral stability, especially in the neck.

Question 4

What are the various descriptions of rib movement at various levels?

Answer 4

Pump handle (rib 1 - 5)
- Superior/inferior

Bucket handle (rib 6 - 10)
- Superior/inferior
- Lateral/medial

Caliper (rib 11 & 12)
- Medial/lateral

Torsion
- Superior rotation

Question 5

What are the muscles of the erector spinae?

Answer 5

Spinalis
Longissimus
Illiocostalis

Question 6

What are some of the differences in the pelvis between males and females?

Answer 6

Females Pelvis are:
- Wider and broader yet lighter
- Oval shaped
- Less prominent ischial spines = greater bispinous diameter
- Greater sub-pubic arch angle
- Shorter, more curved sacrum

Male Pelvis are:
- Longer sacrum
- Heavier
- Heart shaped
- More narrow sub - pubic arch