Neck/Spine Anatomy

Question 1

Erector Spinae

Answer 1

Origin: Common tendon that attaches to the posterior surface of sacrum, iliac crest, spinous processes of the lumbar and last two thoracic vertebrae

Insertion: Various attachments at the posterior ribs, spinous and transverse processes of thoracic and cervical vertebrae and mastoid process of temporal bone

Action: - Vertebral column lateral flexion
- Vertebral extension

Question 2

Quadratus Lumborum

Answer 2

Origin: Posterior iliac crest

Insertion: last rib and transverse processes of L1-L4

Action:

• Pelvis lateral tilt
• Vertebral column lateral flexion
• Vertebral column extension

Question 3

Rectus Abdominis

Answer 3

Origin: Pubic crest, pubic symphysis

Insertion: Cartilage of 5th,6th,7th ribs and xiphoid process

Action:

• Vertebral column flexion
• Pelvis posterior tilt

Question 4

Obliques

Answer 4

Origin: External: External surfaces of 5th to 12th ribs
Internal: Lateral inguinal ligament, iliac crest and thoracolumbar fascia

Insertion: External: Anterior part of the iliac crest, abdominal aponeurosis to linea alba
Internal: Internal surface of lower 3 limbs, abdominal aponeurosis of linea alba

Action:

• Vertebral column lateral flexion
• Vertebral column rotation
• Vertebral column flexion
• Compress abdominal content

Question 5

Transverse Abdominis

Answer 5

Origin: Lateral inguinal ligament, iliac crest, thoracolumbar fascia and internal surface of lower 6 ribs

Insertion: Abdominal aponeurosis to linea alba

Action:
- Compress abdominal contents

Question 6

Scalenes

Answer 6

Origin: C3-C6, C2-C7, C6-C7

Insertion: First and second rib

Action:

• Head and neck lateral flexion
• Head and neck rotation
• Head and neck flexion

Question 7

Sternocleidomastoid

Answer 7

Origin: Top of manubrium, medial 1/3 of clavicle

Insertion: Mastoid process of temporal bone and lateral portion of superior nuchal line of occiput

Action:

• Head and neck lateral flexion
• Head and neck rotation
• Neck flexion

Question 8

Levator Scapulae

Answer 8

Origin: Transverse processes of C1-C4

Insertion: Medial border of scapula between superior angle and superior portion of spine of scapula

Action:

• Scapula elevation
• Scapula downward rotation
• Head and neck lateral flexion
• Head and neck rotation
• Head and neck extension

Question 9

Trapezius

Answer 9

Origin: External occipital protuberance, medial portion of superior nuchal line of occiput, ligamentum nuchae and C7-T12

Insertion: Lateral 1/3 of clavicle, acromion and spine of scapula

Action:
Upper fibres:
- Head and neck extension
- Head and neck lateral flexion
- Head and neck rotation
- Scapula elevation
- Scapula upward rotation
Middle fibres:
- Scapula adduction
- Scapula stabilisation
Lower fibres:
- Scapula depression
- Scapula upward rotation

Question 10

Rhomboids

Answer 10

Origin: Spinous processes of T2-T5 and C7-T1

Insertion: Medial border of sapula between spine of scapula and inferior angle
Upper portion of medial border of the scapula, across from spine of scapula

Action:

• Scapula adduction
• Scapula elevation
• Scapula downward rotation

Question 11

Serratus Anterior

Answer 11

Origin: External surfaces of the upper 8 or 9 ribs

Insertion: Anterior surface of the medial border of scapula

Action:

• Scapula abduction
• Scapula upward rotation
• Scapula depression