Movements of the vertebral column (dave's notes) Flashcards
What are the movements of the vertebral column
Flexion and extension. Abduction and rotation, largely in the thoracic region
Where do head movements occur?
Mainly at the atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joints
What limits movement in the lumbar region?
Tqhe articular facets lie in the a/p direction which limits rotation to a few degrees at the lumbosacral joints.
What allows good rotation at the thoracic region?
The articular facets lie on the circumference of a circle
What happens to the articular facets in the cervical region? How does this affect movement?
The articular facets have a similar slope to thoracic vertebrae but are not on the circular arc, therefore there is limited rotation, and abduction occurs with some rotation.
What does atlas lack?
Atlas lacks a centrum, and the neural arch is modified and has a small anterior arch
Describe the upper surface of atlas
The upper surface is kidney shaped and concave to articulate with the occipital condyle
How much rotation is possible at the atlanto-occipital joint?
None, although flexion, extension and abduction is possible
What are the characteristic features of the axis?
The dens and a large spinous process?
How much weight does the dens carry?
No weight, as the weight is transmitted through the lateral mass
What do the muscular attachments to axis result in?
Very large bifid spinous process
Where does the dens articulate with the atlas?
At the median atlantoaxial joint is where the dens articulates with the back of the anterior arch of the atlas
What type of joint is the articulation of the median atlantoaxial joint?
Hyaline, synovial, capsule
What is the lateral atlantoaxial joint?
Between the interior and superior articular facets
Where does rotation of the head take place? Which muscles are responsible for this?
The atlanto-axial joint, SCM, Splenius capitus
