Neck & Trunk Flashcards
List 5 Major Functions of the Vertebral Column
- Base of support for head and internal organs
- Links upper & lower extremities
- Provides mobility for trunk
- It is a stable base to attach ligaments/bones/mm of the external rib cage and pelvis
- PROTECTS SPINAL CORD
Name 5 segments of vertebral column
Cervical; Thoracic; Lumbar; Sacrum; Coccyx
of vertebrae in Cervical segment
7
of vertebrae in Thoracic segment
12
of vertebrae in Lumbar segment
5
of vertebrae in Sacral segment
5
of vertebrae in Coccygeal segment
4
“Thoracic and sacral-coccygeal curves are ________ (concave or convex) _________ (anteriorly or posteriorly) and are also known as __________ curves”
- convex
- posteriorly
- primary
True or False:
The entire spine is convex posteriorly at birth
True
“Cervical and lumbar curves are __________ (concave or convex) _____________ (anteriorly or posteriorly) and are also known as _____________ curves”
- concave
- posteriorly
- secondary
“The development of the secondary curves helps to redistribute the _____ as the infant develops more mature motor patterns”
COG
Name two primary curves of the spine
Thoracic and sacral-coccygeal
Name two secondary curves of the spine
Cervical and lumbar
Primary curves have an anterior __________ (concavity or convexity) and a posterior __________ (concavity or convexity)
- Anterior concavity
2. Posterior convexity
Primary curves are also known as ________ curves
Kyphotic
Secondary curves have an anterior __________ (concavity or convexity) and a posterior ____________ (concavity or convexity)
- Anterior convexity
2. Posterior concavity
Secondary curves are also known as _______ curves
Lordotic
True or False:
The structure of a vertebrae consists of two parts: an anterior vertebral body and a posterior vertebral arch
True
A vertebral arch has ____ articulating facets (#) and _____ processes (#)
4, 3
What is a function of the facets?
Join the vertebrae together
What is a function of the processes?
They provide sites for attachment of ligaments and muscles
True or False:
“With the exception of the lumber vertebrae, the orientation of these facets largely determines the types of motion that are available in the spinal column”
False - with the exception of the CERVICAL vertebrae, not the lumbar vertebrae
True or False:
Superior facets articulate with the inferior facets from the vertebrae immediately above
True
All of the vertebral joints, with the exception of the atlantoaxial joint, is a diarthrodial ________ joint
Plane
The atlantoaxial joint is a diarthrodial ___________ joint
Pivot
What articulates with the ribs to form diarthrodial plane joints?
Transverse processes
What provides sites for attachments of the ligaments?
Spinous processes
What joins the posterior part of the vertebrae to the anterior vertebral body?
Pedicles (2)
True or False:
Two laminae, or posterior half of the arch (begin posterior to the transverse processes) joins to form the peak of the arch and continue posteriorly to form the spinous process
True
List the 2 main purposes of the intervertebral disc
- Absorb shock
2. Act as an axis for turning
What is the gelatinous middle section of an intervertebral disc called?
Nucleus pulposus
What is the dense ring of fibrocartilagenous fibers that encloses/keeps the nucleus pulposus in place called?
Annulus
What area of the spine would you find the greatest ability for movement? (what segment)
Cervical
Flexion is forward bending in the ________ plane, which causes separation of the spinous processes
Sagittal
Flexion is greatest in these two spinal segments:
- Cervical
2. Lumbar
Hyperextension is backward bending in the _______ plane, which causes the spinous processes to move closer together
Sagittal
True or False:
There is moderate flexion that occurs in the thoracic area due to facet orientation and the tension produced on the rib cage
True
True or False:
There is a great amount of hyperextension that occurs in the thoracic area
False! It is LIMITED due to the long spinous processes, the frontal orientation of the facets, and tension in the rib cage
Lateral flexion is sideways bending in the ________ plane
Frontal
Lateral flexion is greatest in the _________ segment, moderate in the __________ segment, and more limited in the _______ segment
Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar
True or False:
Some slight rotation of the spine is involved with lateral flexion
True
Rotation occurs in the ____________ plane
Horizontal
Rotation is greatest in the _________ segment, moderate in the ___________ segment, and more limited in the ___________ segment
Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar
“Whenever rotation occurs in the spine below the _____th cervical vertebra, it is accompanied by a slight amount of lateral flexion to the same side”
7th
Intervertebral joints join vertebral bodies together and they are ______________ joints
Synarthrodial
Facet joints are articulations between arches and they are ____________ joints
Diarthrodial plane
Superior facets of the cervical region face ____________ (superiorly or inferiorly) and ____________ (medially or laterally)
Superiorly, medially
Inferior facets of the cervical region face ____________ (superiorly or inferiorly) and ____________ (medially or laterally)
Inferiorly, laterally
Movement in the cervical region (list 5)
Flexion, extension, hyperextension, rotation, lateral flexion (bending)
What plane are the facets of the cervical region in?
They are at an oblique angle, halfway between the horizontal and frontal planes
Facets of the thoracic region:
Superiorly, they face ________ (anteriorly or posteriorly) and _________ (medially or laterally)
Inferiorly, they face _______ (anteriorly or posteriorly) and __________ (medially or laterally)
Superior facets: Posteriorly and laterally
Inferior facets: Anteriorly and medially
Movement in the thoracic region (list 2)
Lateral flexion and rotation
What plane are the facets of the thoracic region in?
Frontal
Superior facets of the lumbar region face ______ (medially or laterally) and __________ (anteriorly or posteriorly)
Medially and posteriorly
Inferior facets of the lumbar region face ____________ (laterally or medially) and ___________ (anteriorly or posteriorly)
Laterally and anteriorly
Movement in the lumbar region (list 4)
Flexion, extension, hyperextension, and lateral flexion
What place are the facets of the lumbar region in?
Sagittal
Costovertebral joints are those in which the _____ join with the vertebral column
Ribs
The lumbosacral joint is an area built for ___________
Stability (it provides support for the entire weight of the body)
What is the sacroiliac (SI) joint composed of? (what is the articulation)
The articulation of the first three sacral vertebrae with the ilium
The sacrum is composed of what?
5 sacral vertebrae that are fused to form the triangular structure
What is the primary purpose of the vertebral ligaments?
Provide stability
The anterior longitudinal ligament runs down the spinal column from the 2nd cervical vertebra to the sacrum. It limits ______ of the back
Extension
The posterior longitudinal ligament runs along the anterior portion of the vertebral canal along all vertebrae. It limits _________
Flexion
The ligamentum flavum is a thick, elastic ligament that is located on the posterior surface of the vertebral canal. The fibers of this ligament run continuous down the entire length of the canal from the 2nd cervical vertebra to the sacrum. It limits _________, especially in the _________ segment of the spine
Flexion; lumbar
The supraspinous ligament runs along the tip of the spinous processes from the 7th cervical vertebra to the sacrum. It prevents _________ of the spinous processes
separation (exerts some influence on limiting flexion)
The interspinous ligament is well developed only in lumbar area. It prevents ___________ of the spinous processes
separation (also exerts some influence on limiting flexion)
The intertransverse ligaments are only well developed in the lumbar area. They limit _________ of the trunk
Lateral flexion
What is another name for C1?
Atlas
What is another name for C2?
Axis
True or False:
C1/Atlas has no body, no spinous process, and is ring-shaped
True
The joint between the atlas and occipital bone is called the ______________
Atlanto-occipital joint
Movement allowed at the atlanto-occipital joint (2)
Flexion and extension
What is the special process that arises from the anterior portion of the Axis/C2 called?
Dens/Odontoid process
The atlanto-axial joint is composed of ________ (#) joints
3
What ligament encases the dens and allows for rotation?
Transverse ligament
C3-C6 vertebral bodies are relatively __________ (small or large) to the discs, which are proportionally _______ (small or large)
Small; large
Discs provide _______ while allowing ________ in all directions (in regards to cervical vertebrae)
Stability; motion
When acting together, the STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID muscle is a prime mover for: (1)
Flexion of the head and neck
When acting alone, the STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID muscle is a prime mover for: (2)
Flexing the head and neck laterally AND rotating it to the opposite side
When acting together, the SCALENE muscles assist in: (1)
Head flexion
When acting alone, the SCALENE muscles are prime movers for: (1)
Lateral flexion of the head to one side
When acting together, the SPLENIUS CAPITIS and SPLENIUS CERVICIS muscles are prime movers for: (2)
Extension and hyperextension of the head and neck
When acting alone, the SPLENIUS CAPITIS and SPLENIUS CERVICIS muscles are prime movers for: (2)
Lateral flexion and rotation of the head to the same side
When acting together, the SUBOCCIPITAL GROUP assists in: (3)
Extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the head to the same side
What is a primary function of the deep posterior group muscles?
Stabilize spine
When acting together (bilaterally), the DEEP POSTERIOR GROUP muscles are prime movers for: (2)
Extension of the head and neck
When acting alone (unilaterally), the DEEP POSTERIOR GROUP muscles are prime movers for: (2)
Lateral flexion and rotation to the opposite side
When acting alone, SEMISPINALIS CERVICIS, CAPITUS, and THORACIS muscles are prime movers for: (2)
Lateral flexion and rotation of the head to the same side (cervicis is the prime mover here)
When acting together, SEMISPINALIS CERVICIS, CAPITUS, and THORACIS muscles are prime movers for: (1)
Extension of the head and trunk
When acting together, the ERECTOR SPINAE muscle group is a prime mover for: (2)
Extension and hyperextension of the trunk and head
When acting alone, the ERECTOR SPINAE muscle group is a prime mover for: (1)
Rotation to the same side
True or False:
The erector spinae muscle group acts as a brake doing lengthening eccentric contractions during controlled forward flexion. In coming up to stand, it does concentric contractions.
True
When acting alone, the PREVERTEBRAL GROUP of muscles is a prime mover for: (1)
Flexing the head and neck laterally
When acting together, the PREVERTEBRAL GROUP of muscles is a prime mover for: (1)
Flexion of the head and neck
What ligament provides the stability for the atlantoaxial joint of the cervical region of the spine?
Transverse ligament
True or False:
The cervical region demonstrates the least amount of flexibility of the entire vertebral column
False - it demonstrates the most
Name the 3 anterior muscles in the abdominal group that act together to move the thoracic lumbar spine, support the trunk, assist with breathing, and support the abdominal organs
- Rectus abdominis
- External oblique
- Internal oblique
True or False:
The rectus abdominis, external oblique, and internal oblique muscles assist in flexion from an erect standing position.
False
Name the fibrous band that unites the xiphoid process and the pubis; it runs down the midline.
Linea Alba
Which is the most superficial of the abdominal muscles?
Rectus Abdominis
When acting together, the RECTUS ABDOMINIS is a prime mover for: (1)
Flexion of the lumbar and thoracic spine
When acting alone, the RECTUS ABDOMINIS is a prime mover for: (1)
Lateral flexion
True or False:
The external oblique shows marked activity when straining or bearing down when the breath is held, as well as in forced exhalation.
True
When acting bilaterally, the EXTERNAL OBLIQUE muscle is a prime mover for: (1)
Flexion of the thoracic and lumbar spine
When acting unilaterally, the EXTERNAL OBLIQUE muscle is a prime mover for: (2)
Lateral flexion of the trunk and rotation to the opposite side
True or False:
EMG studies have shown that the external oblique is the most active of all the abdominal muscles in rotation.
False - INTERNAL oblique
When acting together, the INTERNAL OBLIQUE muscle is a prime mover for: (1)
Flexion of the thoracic and lumbar spine
When acting alone, the INTERNAL OBLIQUE muscle is a prime mover for: (2)
Lateral flexion and rotation to the same side
An isometric contraction of the abdominals in conjunction with holding one’s breath is known as a _________ ___________.
Valsalva maneuver
A Valsalva maneuver __________ (increases or decreases) pressure in the thoracic and abdominal cavities that helps to provide stability for the vertebral column.
Increases
When acting together, the QUADRATUS LUMBORUM muscle is a prime mover for: (1)
Assists with stabilizing pelvis and lumbar spine
When acting alone, the QUADRATUS LUMBORUM muscle is a prime mover for: (1)
Lateral flexion
The ________ muscle is a strong hip flexor. It also assists with lateral flexion and extension of the lumbar spine.
Iliopsoas
When acting together, the SEMISPINALIS THORACIS muscle is a prime mover for: (1)
Extension of thoracic spine
When acting alone, the SEMISPINALIS THORACIS muscle is a prime mover for: (2)
Lateral flexion and rotation to the OPPOSITE side of the thoracic spine
In general, _________ is the freest motion in the thoracic region
Rotation
What is the primary function of the lumbar region of the spine?
Support weight of the upper body
What is the movement in the lumbar region? (4)
Flexion, extension, hyperextension, and lateral flexion (flexion is more limited than extension and rotation is very limited)
What motions are freely permitted in the cervical region? (4)
Flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation
The coordinated activity of lumbar flexion and anterior rotation of the pelvis in the sagittal plane (anterior pelvic tilt) is also known as:
Lumbar pelvic rhythm
True or False:
Lumbar pelvic rhythm decreases the range of motion available to the total column, and also reduces the amount of flexibility required of the lumbar region
False - lumbar pelvic rhythm INCREASES the range of motion available to the total column
Yes or No:
Is bending over to touch one’s toes with knees straight dependent upon lumber pelvic rhythm?
Yes
