Muscles and ligaments of the spine

Question 1

What are muscles?

Answer 1

Muscles are fibrous tissues made up of muscle cells that have the ability to contract, producing movement or stability of the body.

Question 2

What are ligaments and tendons in the spine?

Answer 2

Ligaments and tendons are made up of connective tissues.

Ligaments connect 2 or more bones together.
Tendons attach muscle to bone.

In the vertebral column, ligaments, tendons and muscles work together to provide a natural brace which helps to protect the spine from injury.
Ligaments aid in joint stability during rest and movement, and help to prevent injury from hyperextension and hyperflexion.

Question 3

Anterior longitudinal ligament location and function

Answer 3

Location: Broad and fibrous ligament that extends from C1 to sacrum. Covers the anterior aspect of each vertebral body and intervertebral disc.

Function: Limits extension of the vertebral column and reinforces intervertebral discs

Question 4

Posterior longitudinal ligament location and function

Answer 4

Location: Narrower ligament that extends from posterior surface of the vertebral bodies from C2 to sacrum. Lies inside the vertebral canal

Function: Prevents hyperflexion of the vertebral column and prevents protrusion of the intervertebral discs.

Question 5

Ligamentum Flavum ligament location and function

Answer 5

Location: Strong ligaments that connect the laminae of adjacent vertebrae from C2 to S1. Covers the dorsal surface of the vertebral canal.

Function: To preserve upright posture and assist in returning to this following flexion.

Question 6

Interspinous Ligament location and function

Answer 6

Location: Extends between adjacent spinous processes from C1 to S1. Connects with ligamentum flavum and supraspinal ligament.

Function: To limit flexion.

Question 7

Ligamentum Nuchae location and function

Answer 7

Location: Attaches at the external occipital protuberance and extends along the spinous processes down to C7

Ligament nuchae continues inferiorly with the supraspinous ligament
Continuous from C7 to sacrum – though can terminate before this (L3/4).

Function: To limit flexion and provide attachment for some spinal muscles

Question 8

Supraspinous Ligament location and function

Answer 8

Location: Connects spinous processes from C7 down to sacrum

Function: To limit flexion and act as a midline attachment for other muscles

Question 9

Transverse ligament function

Answer 9

MAINTAINS THE ODONTOID PROCESS OF THE AXIS IN THE CORRECT POSITION IN RELATION TO THE ATLAS

Question 10

Semispinalis Capitis and Cervicus location and function

Answer 10

Location: Posterior muscles which originate on the transverse processes of C4-7 and insert on the occiput and spinous processes. Can also occur in thoracic region (T1-T6/7).

Function: Aid with extension and rotation of the head/neck. Maintains cervical lordosis (balance of head on neck).

Question 11

Splenius Capitis and Cervicus location and function

Answer 11

Location: Deep broad muscle at the back of the neck. Arises from the lower portion of the nuchal ligament, from the spinous processes of C7-T3.

Function: To aid neck extension, lateral flexion of the neck and rotation of the head.

Question 12

Sternocleidomastoid location and function

Answer 12

Location: A pair of superficial muscles of the neck which attach to the skull (at the mastoids) and to the sternum and clavicle.

Function: Protects soft tissue structures of the neck (nerves, blood vessels, lymph nodes etc.) and supports rotation of the head.

Function: Protects soft tissue structures of the neck (nerves, blood vessels, lymph nodes etc.) and supports rotation of the head.
Both muscles act together: flexes the neck and extends the head

One side acts alone: Causes head to rotate to opposite side and flex laterally to the same side
Sternocleidomastoid also acts as an accessory muscle in respiration and contraction of this muscle gives rise to torticollis

Question 13

Trapezius location and function

Answer 13

Location: Large, flat superficial muscle pair, extending from the occipital bone to the lower thoracic vertebrae and laterally to the scapula spines.

Function: Contributes to extension and side flexion of the axial skeleton and counterbalances the pull of gravity on the head. Also supports movement of the scapula and support for the arm.

Question 14

Levator Scapulae location and function

Answer 14

Location: Connects upper limb to the vertebral column. Superior aspect is covered by sternocleidomastoid and its inferior part of trapezius.

Function: Elevates and rotates the scapula.