Muscles and ligaments - The back

Question 1

Extrinsic muscles

Answer 1

Movement of the upper limbs and thoracic wall
Innervated by anterior rami of spinal nerves
Superficial group of the muscles are related to upper limbs

Question 2

Intermediate muscles

Answer 2

Intermediate layer is associated with the thoracic wall
Part of the Extrinsic muscle group
Attached to the ribs and may serve a respiratory function.
Two thin muscular sheets in the superior and inferior regions of the back
Deep to the muscles of the superficial group

Question 3

Intrinsic muscles

Answer 3

Deep in position
Innervated by the posterior rami of spinal nerves
Extensors and rotators of the head and neck
Extensors and rotators of the vertebral column
Short segmental muscles
Support and move the vertebral column and participate in moving the head
One group also moves the ribs relative to the vertebral column.
Develop in the back
Extend from the pelvis to the skull

Question 4

Longitudinal ligaments

Answer 4

Strong fibrous tissues that regulate the movement of the vertebral column
Consist of posterior ligament and the anterior ligament
Anterior longitudinal ligaments attaches to the front of each vertebrae and runs up and down the spine
Posterior longitudinal ligaments run up and down behind the spine and inside the spinal canal
Primary function is to prevent hyperextension which happens when there is excess bending of the spine in the backward direction.

Question 5

Ligamentum flavum

Answer 5

A series of ligaments that connects the ventral parts of the laminae (plate or layer) of the adjacent vertebrae
Paired ligament that runs between adjacent layers of the vertebral bodies
Present from C2/3 to the sacrum
Preserve upright posture
Prevents hyperflexion
Ensures the straightening of the vertebral column after flexion

Question 6

Ligamentum nuchae

Answer 6

Strong fibrous band of tissue located in the back of the neck
Extends from the external occipital protuberance (triangular shaped projection located on the midline of the posterior skull) to the spinous process of the cervical vertebrae C1-C6
Provides support to the head and limits excessive movement of the neck.
Trapezius and splenius capitis muscle attach to this ligament