Movement - back pain Flashcards
What does the back include?
Skin
Subcutaneous tissue
Vertebral column
Spinal cord and meninges
Ribs
Nerves and vessels
Muscles
How many cervical vertebrae are there?
7
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
12
How many lumbar vertebrae are there?
5
How many sacral vertebrae are there?
5
Intervertebral discs make up what length of the spine?
1/4
What is the function of the red part of the bone (body)?
Weight bearing
Which processes are shaded in purple?
Transverse
Which process is shaded in pink?
Spinous process
What are the green shaded areas of the vertebrae?
Articular facets:
2 superior and 2 inferior
What is the dark blue shaded area of the vertebra?
The pedicles of the vertebral arch
What is the light blue shaded area of the vertebra?
The laminae of the vertebral arch
The spinal nerves pass through the _____
Intervertebral foramen formed by the superior and inferior vertebral notches of the adjacent vertebrae and the intervertebral disc
The vertebral artery and vein pass through all cervical vertebra except ___
C7
Why might subluxation not compress the spinal cord?
Because the vertebral foramen are relatuvely wide - however they are prone to dislocation due to flat articular facets
What is the distinguishing feature of C2?
The Odontoid process (a.k.a the dens) - it prevents horizontal displacement of the atlas
What causes fracture of the Dens?
The bone of the dens is less dense, so is prone to fracture - this can be caused by hyperextension or hyperflexion
What is the name of the joint between the head of the rib with the superior demifacet of the corresponding vertebra and the inferior demifacet of the vertebra above?
Costovertebral joint
What are the main differences between cervical vertebrae and lumbar veretbrae?
Cervical vertebrae have a small body with articular facets that are directed superioposteriorly (superior) and infero-anteriorly (inferior). The spinous processes are BIFID.
Lumbar vertebrae have a large vertebral body, superior articular facets facing medially and inferior articular facets facing laterally. Spinous processes are short and sturdy.
What joints hold vertebrae together?
Zygapophysial joints, along with intevertebral discs and ligaments
Occur between superior and inferior articular articular processes of adjacent vertebrae
What is annulus fibrosis?
Fibrocartilage ring attached to epiphysial rim of the vertebral body
What is the nucleus pulposus?
Gelatinous substance that acts as a shock absorber
What is the purpose of the ligamentum flavum?
Binds lamina of adjacent vertebrae
Which ligaments resists hyperextension of the vertebral column, whilst all others resist hyperflexion?
The anterior longitudinal ligament - runs from occipital bone and C1 to sacrum
