Lecture 6 Flashcards
The middle sacral crest of the sacrum are remnants of what structure?
Spinous Process
The lamina of the sacrum fuse to form which of the following structures in the adult sacrum?
Sacral groove
How many joints does the sacrum encompass?
6
What is the contribution of the pubis that makes up the acetabulum?
1/5
Which of the following ligaments lies deep to the posterior ligament of the sacroiliac joint?
Interosseous ligament
What is the composition of the sacrum?
The sacrum consists of 5 fused vertebrae forming a triangular structure.
What bones does the sacrum sit wedged between?
The sacrum sits wedged between the two innominate bones (pelvic bones).
What are the main features of the base of the sacrum?
The base of the sacrum is superior and forms the sacral promontory. It also has sacral ala formed by the transverse processes of S1.
What structure runs through the entire sacrum and exits at the sacral hiatus?
The vertebral canal runs through the entire sacrum and exits at the sacral hiatus.
What is the significance of the apex of the sacrum?
The apex of the sacrum is inferior and articulates with the coccyx.
Describe the pelvic/anterior surface of the sacrum.
The pelvic/anterior surface is concave superior to inferior and side to side, with transverse ridges corresponding to intervertebral discs and anterior sacral foramina for the exit of sacral nerves.
What are the main features of the dorsal/posterior surface of the sacrum?
The dorsal/posterior surface is convex, narrower, and irregular, with a middle sacral crest, sacral grooves, sacral articular crests/intermediate crests, posterior sacral foramina, and the sacral hiatus.
What is the function of the lateral surface of the sacrum?
The lateral surface articulates with the ilium at the sacroiliac joint and provides attachment points for ligaments.
What structures articulate with the sacral cornua?
The inferior articular processes of S5 articulate with the sacral cornua.
What is the significance of the lateral crests of the sacrum?
The lateral crests of the sacrum are rudimentary transverse processes and provide attachment points for muscles and ligaments.
What is the orientation of the sacrum in the body?
The sacrum sits obliquely, with its base tilted anteriorly and its apex pointing inferiorly.
What is the structure found at the most anterior portion of the sacrum?
The most anterior portion of the sacrum is known as the sacral promontory.
What are the functions of the sacral ala?
The sacral ala provides attachment points for ligaments and muscles and contributes to the stability of the pelvic region.
Describe the appearance of the sacral hiatus.
The sacral hiatus is a gap in the sacrum where the spinous process and lamina of S5 fail to fuse, leaving a small opening.
How many sacral foramina are present on each side of the sacrum, and what structures exit through them?
There are four sacral foramina on each side of the sacrum, through which the sacral nerves exit.
What is the significance of the auricular surface of the sacrum?
The auricular surface of the sacrum is covered in cartilage and articulates with the ilium to form the sacroiliac joint, contributing to the stability of the pelvis.
What attaches to the sacral tuberosity on the lateral surface of the sacrum?
The sacral tuberosity provides attachment points for the sacroiliac ligaments, contributing to the stability of the sacroiliac joint.
How many sacral segments are fused to form the sacrum, and what are their designations?
.
The sacrum consists of five fused sacral segments, designated as S1 through S5
What are the rudimentary structures found on the dorsal/posterior surface of the sacrum?
The dorsal/posterior surface of the sacrum features rudimentary spinous processes (middle sacral crest) and laminae (sacral grooves).
What is the functional significance of the sacrum in the human body?
The sacrum forms a sturdy foundation for the spine, provides stability to the pelvis, and serves as a point of attachment for various muscles and ligaments involved in posture and movement.
What is the function of the sacral canal within the sacrum?
The sacral canal within the sacrum serves as a passageway for the sacral nerves and provides protection to the sacral spinal cord.
Describe the sacral cornua in terms of its location and articulation.
The sacral cornua are located at the inferior end of the sacrum and articulate with the coccyx, contributing to the stability of the sacrococcygeal joint.
What is the significance of the sacral plexus in relation to the sacrum?
The sacral plexus, formed by the sacral nerves exiting the sacrum, is a key nerve network that innervates the lower limbs and pelvic organs, playing a crucial role in motor and sensory functions.
How does the sacrum contribute to the transmission of body weight from the vertebral column to the pelvis?
The sacrum serves as a bridge between the vertebral column and the pelvic girdle, transferring body weight from the axial skeleton to the lower extremities during weight-bearing activities.
What is the developmental origin of the sacrum?
The sacrum develops from the fusion of five originally separate sacral vertebrae during embryonic and fetal development.