Practical 1: Anatomy of the Head, Neck and Trunk Flashcards
Define
Axial Skeleton
The part of the skeleton that includes the skull, vertebrae, ribs, and sternum.
Define
Appendicular Skeleton
The part of the skeleton that includes the limbs and the limb girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton.
Define
Frontal Bone
Flat bone that forms the forehead and part of the orbits (eye sockets).
Define
Parietal Bones
Four-sided bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.
Define
Occipital Bone
Bone that forms the back of the skull and part of its base, including the foramen magnum and occipital condyles.
Define
Foramen Magnum
Large opening in the occipital bone for the passage of the spinal cord into the skull.
Define
Occipital Condyles
Rounded projections on the occipital bone that articulate with the first cervical vertebra (atlas).
Define
Temporal Bones
Bones that form the sides and part of the base of the skull, including the external acoustic meatus, mastoid process, and temporomandibular joint.
Define
External Acoustic Meatus
Canal leading to the eardrum and middle ear located in the temporal bone.
Define
Mastoid Process
Projection of the temporal bone behind the ear, serving as an attachment site for muscles.
Define
Zygomatic Arch
Formed by the joining of processes from the temporal and zygomatic bones.
Define
Temporomandibular Joint
The joint between the mandible (lower jaw) and the temporal bone.
Define
Maxilla
The upper jawbone that forms the floor of the orbits (eye sockets).
Define
Mandible
The lower jawbone that articulates with the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint.
Define
Mandibular Condyle
The rounded projection of the mandible that forms the temporomandibular joint.
Define
Zygomatic Bones
Cheekbones that contribute to the zygomatic arch.
Define
Synovial Joints
Joints where articulating bones are separated by a fluid-containing joint cavity, allowing substantial freedom of movement.
Define
Sutures
Immovable joints in the skull where bones dovetail with each other, held together by ossified fibrous connective tissue.
Define
Atlanto-Occipital Joint
Joint formed between the occipital condyles and the first cervical vertebra (atlas), allowing flexion and extension of the neck.
Define
Vertebral Column
The series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the coccyx, enclosing the spinal cord.
Define
Vertebrae
Individual bones making up the vertebral column, consisting of a vertebral body, vertebral arch, and processes.
Define
Cervical Vertebrae
The seven vertebrae of the neck region, with C1 known as the atlas and C2 as the axis.
Define
Thoracic Vertebrae
The twelve vertebrae of the chest region.
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Lumbar Vertebrae
The five vertebrae of the lower back.
Define
Sacral Vertebrae
The five fused vertebrae that make up the sacrum, at the base of the spine.
Define
Coccygeal Vertebrae
The four fused vertebrae that make up the coccyx, at the very base of the spine.
Define
Vertebral Body
The cylindrical, weight-bearing part of a vertebra.
Define
Vertebral Foramen
The opening in each vertebra that forms the vertebral canal through which the spinal cord passes.
Define
Spinous Process
The bony projection off the posterior (back) part of each vertebra.
Define
Transverse Process
The bony projection off the left and right sides of each vertebra.
Define
Intervertebral Discs
Flexible fibrocartilage pads with gelatinous centers that separate and cushion the vertebrae.
Define
Atlas
The first cervical vertebra (C1), which supports the skull and allows nodding motion (“yes” movement).
Define
Axis
The second cervical vertebra (C2), which allows rotational movement of the head (“no” movement).
What is
The part of the skeleton that includes the skull, vertebrae, ribs, and sternum.
Axial Skeleton
What is
The part of the skeleton that includes the limbs and the limb girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton.
Appendicular Skeleton
What is
Flat bone that forms the forehead and part of the orbits (eye sockets).
Frontal Bone
What is
Four-sided bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.
Parietal Bones
What is
Bone that forms the back of the skull and part of its base, including the foramen magnum and occipital condyles.
Occipital Bone
What is
Large opening in the occipital bone for the passage of the spinal cord into the skull.
Foramen Magnum
What is
Rounded projections on the occipital bone that articulate with the first cervical vertebra (atlas).
Occipital Condyles
What is
Bones that form the sides and part of the base of the skull, including the external acoustic meatus, mastoid process, and temporomandibular joint.
Temporal Bones
What is
Canal leading to the eardrum and middle ear located in the temporal bone.
External Acoustic Meatus
What is
Projection of the temporal bone behind the ear, serving as an attachment site for muscles.
Mastoid Process
What is
Formed by the joining of processes from the temporal and zygomatic bones.
Zygomatic Arch
What is
The joint between the mandible (lower jaw) and the temporal bone.
Temporomandibular Joint
What is
The upper jawbone that forms the floor of the orbits (eye sockets).
Maxilla
What is
The lower jawbone that articulates with the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint.
Mandible
What is
The rounded projection of the mandible that forms the temporomandibular joint.
Mandibular Condyle
What is
Cheekbones that contribute to the zygomatic arch.
Zygomatic Bones
What is
Joints where articulating bones are separated by a fluid-containing joint cavity, allowing substantial freedom of movement.
Synovial Joints
What is
Immovable joints in the skull where bones dovetail with each other, held together by ossified fibrous connective tissue.
Sutures
Joint formed between the occipital condyles and the first cervical vertebra (atlas), allowing flexion and extension of the neck.
Atlanto-Occipital Joint
The series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the coccyx, enclosing the spinal cord.
Vertebral Column
Individual bones making up the vertebral column, consisting of a vertebral body, vertebral arch, and processes.
Vertebrae
The seven vertebrae of the neck region, with C1 known as the atlas and C2 as the axis.
Cervical Vertebrae
The twelve vertebrae of the chest region.
Thoracic Vertebrae
The five vertebrae of the lower back.
Lumbar Vertebrae
The five fused vertebrae that make up the sacrum, at the base of the spine.
Sacral Vertebrae
The four fused vertebrae that make up the coccyx, at the very base of the spine.
Coccygeal Vertebrae
The cylindrical, weight-bearing part of a vertebra.
Vertebral Body
The opening in each vertebra that forms the vertebral canal through which the spinal cord passes.
Vertebral Foramen
The bony projection off the posterior (back) part of each vertebra.
Spinous Process
The bony projection off the left and right sides of each vertebra.
Transverse Process
Flexible fibrocartilage pads with gelatinous centers that separate and cushion the vertebrae.
Intervertebral Discs
The first cervical vertebra (C1), which supports the skull and allows nodding motion (“yes” movement).
Atlas
What bone forms the base of the skull?
The occipital bone.
Where is the mastoid process located?
Behind the ear, part of the temporal bone.
What is the significance of the foramen magnum?
It allows the spinal cord to pass into the skull.
Which cervical vertebrae is known as the atlas?
C1 vertebra.
What type of joint is the atlanto-occipital joint?
A condyloid joint.
Which joint allows for rotation of the head?
The atlantoaxial joint between C1 and C2 vertebrae.
What type of joint connects the ribs to the thoracic vertebrae?
The costovertebral joints, which are synovial joints.
Which muscle is responsible for elevating the shoulders?
The trapezius muscle.
What muscle group is primarily involved in neck flexion?
The sternocleidomastoid muscles.
Which muscle assists in the lateral flexion of the trunk?
The quadratus lumborum.
What type of muscle contraction occurs during a sit-up?
Concentric contraction of the abdominal muscles.
During head rotation, which muscle is mainly engaged?
The sternocleidomastoid muscle.
What is the primary action of the erector spinae muscles?
Extension of the vertebral column.
Define the terms origin and insertion.
Origin: The origin is the fixed attachment point of the muscle, usually located on the bone that remains stationary during muscle contraction.
Insertion: The insertion is the movable attachment point of the muscle, typically on the bone that moves when the muscle contracts.
What is Flexion?
Bending movement that reduces the angle at a joint, e.g., bending the knee from a straight to angled position.
What is extension?
Reverse of flexion, i.e., a movement which increases the angle between bones - ‘straightening’.
What is Abduction?
Movement of a bone away from the midline, e.g., raising an arm to the side. Also used to describe spreading apart of fingers and toes.
What is Adduction?
Movement of a bone towards the midline,
What is Circumduction?
As the bone or limb moves, it describes a cone while its end describes a circle, e.g., stretching the arm out straight and making a circular movement from the shoulder.
What is Rotation?
Turning of a bone along its own long axis e.g., in medial rotation of the thigh, the femur’s anterior surface moves towards the midline.
What is Supination?
Movement of the forearm so the palm faces forwards or upwards and the radius and ulna are parallel.
What is Pronation?
Reverse of supination – the radius crosses over the ulna and the palm faces backwards or downwards.
What is Dorsiflexion?
Lifting the foot at the ankle (flexion of the ankle).
What is Plantarflexion?
Pushing the foot downwards to point the toes (extension of the ankle).
What is Inversion?
The sole of the foot is turned medially.
What is Eversion?
The sole of the foot is turned laterally.
What is Protraction/Retraction?
The movement of a bone, forwards and backwards, in the same horizontal plane, e.g., moving the mandible forwards (protraction) or backwards (retraction).
What is Elevation/Depression?
Up-and-down movements, e.g., of the mandible in chewing or raising and lowering of the scapulae in shrugging shoulders.
Which bones make up the axial skeleton?
The skull, vertebrae, ribs, and sternum.
What is the primary function of the axial skeleton?
To provide support and protection for the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs.
Which bone forms the forehead and part of the eye sockets?
The frontal bone.
What feature is contained within the frontal bone to reduce the weight of the skull?
Air-filled sinuses.
Which bones form the sides and roof of the skull?
The parietal bones.
Which bone forms the back of the skull and part of its base?
The occipital bone.
What is the function of the foramen magnum?
It allows the passage of the spinal cord into the skull.
What are the occipital condyles, and what is their function?
They are structures that articulate with the first cervical vertebra (atlas).
Which bone contains the external acoustic meatus?
The temporal bone.
What is the mastoid process, and where is it located?
A bony prominence located behind the ear on the temporal bone.
Which joint is formed by the articulation between the temporal bone and the mandible?
The temporomandibular joint.
What forms the zygomatic arch?
The joining of processes from the temporal and zygomatic bones.
Where can you palpate the frontal bone on your body?
On your forehead.
Which part of your head corresponds to the parietal bones?
The sides and roof of your skull.
How can you locate the occipital bone on your own body?
By feeling the back of your skull.
Where can you find the external acoustic meatus on yourself?
Just behind your ear canal.
How can you locate the mastoid process on your body?
By palpating the bony area behind your ear.
Where is the temporomandibular joint located?
Just in front of the ear, where the mandible meets the temporal bone.
How can you identify the zygomatic arch on your face?
By feeling the bony ridge extending from the cheek towards the ear.
Which bone forms the upper jaw?
The maxilla.
What part of the maxilla forms the floor of the orbits?
The upper part of the maxilla.
Which bone forms the lower jaw?
The mandible.
What is the name of the process on the mandible that articulates with the temporal bone?
The mandibular condyle (or condylar process).
What joint is formed by the mandibular condyle and the temporal bone?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Which bones form the cheekbones?
The zygomatic bones.
What forms the zygomatic arch?
A process of the zygomatic bone and a process of the temporal bone.
Where can you palpate the maxilla on your face?
The area around the upper jaw and below the nose.
How can you identify the mandible on your face?
By feeling the lower jaw.
Where can you feel the zygomatic bones on your face?
Along the upper part of your cheeks.
How can you locate the mandibular condyle on your face?
By feeling just in front of your ear while opening and closing your mouth.
What type of joint is the temporomandibular joint?
A synovial joint.
What type of movement occurs at the temporomandibular joint?
Elevation and depression (up and down), side to side, and retraction and protraction.
Which joint is known as the “YES” joint?
The atlanto-occipital joint.
What movements are allowed at the atlanto-occipital joint?
Flexion and extension of the neck.
What are sutures in the adult skull?
Immovable joints where the margins of skull bones are interlocked by ossified fibrous connective tissue.
Name the major sutures of the adult skull.
Coronal, sagittal, lambdoid, and squamous sutures.
What is the purpose of fontanelles in an infant’s skull?
To allow the edges of skull bones to glide over each other during birth and to accommodate brain growth.
Where can you find the coronal suture on the skull?
Between the frontal and parietal bones.
Which suture is found between the parietal bones?
The sagittal suture.
Where is the lambdoid suture located on the skull?
Between the parietal bones and the occipital bone.
What is the location of the squamous suture?
Between the parietal bones and the temporal bones.
What does the vertebral column consist of?
The vertebral column consists of bony vertebrae separated by flexible intervertebral discs.
How many types of vertebrae are there in the vertebral column?
There are five types: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccyx.
What are the key features of a typical vertebra?
A typical vertebra has a cylindrical vertebral body, a vertebral arch forming a vertebral foramen, a spinous process projecting posteriorly, and two transverse processes projecting laterally.
How many cervical vertebrae are there?
There are 7 cervical vertebrae.
What are the names of the first two cervical vertebrae?
The first cervical vertebra is the atlas (C1), and the second is the axis (C2).
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
There are 12 thoracic vertebrae.
How many lumbar vertebrae are present in the vertebral column?
There are 5 lumbar vertebrae.
How many vertebrae make up the sacrum?
There are 5 sacral vertebrae that fuse to form the sacrum.
How many coccygeal vertebrae are there?
There are 4 coccygeal vertebrae that fuse to form the coccyx.
What is the function of the vertebral foramen?
The vertebral foramen forms the vertebral canal through which the spinal cord passes.
What is the main function of the intervertebral discs?
Intervertebral discs provide flexibility and act as shock absorbers between vertebrae.
What type of joint is the atlanto-axis joint?
The atlanto-axis joint is a pivot joint.
What movements can occur in the vertebral column?
The vertebral column can flex, extend, bend laterally, and rotate.
What is the spinous process and where is it located on a vertebra?
The spinous process is a projection that extends posteriorly from the vertebral arch.
Where is the seventh cervical vertebra’s spinous process most prominent?
It is most prominent at the base of the neck and is easily located when the neck is flexed.
How do you identify the vertebral body on an articulated skeleton?
The vertebral body is the cylindrical, anterior part of the vertebra.
What is the purpose of the transverse processes on a vertebra?
The transverse processes project laterally and serve as attachment points for muscles and ligaments.
What kind of movement occurs at the atlanto-occipital joint?
The atlanto-occipital joint allows for flexion and extension of the neck (nodding motion).
How do the sizes of the vertebral bodies change along the vertebral column?
The size of the vertebral body increases from cervical to lumbar vertebrae to support more weight.
What are intervertebral discs composed of?
Intervertebral discs are composed of flexible fibrocartilage with a gelatinous center.
What is the sternum and where is it located?
The sternum is a long, flat bone located down the front of the chest or thorax under the skin.
How many parts make up the sternum?
The sternum consists of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process.
Where is the manubrium located in relation to the vertebrae?
The superior border of the manubrium is at the level of the second thoracic vertebra.
How does the sternum articulate with the clavicles?
The superior end of the sternum supports the clavicles (collarbones).
How many ribs are there on each side of the body?
There are 12 ribs on each side.
With which vertebrae do the ribs articulate posteriorly?
The ribs articulate with the 12 thoracic vertebrae posteriorly.
How do the first 7 ribs connect to the sternum?
The first 7 ribs connect directly to the sternum via their costal cartilages.
What is the connection of ribs 8, 9, and 10 to the sternum?
Ribs 8, 9, and 10 connect indirectly to the sternum through costal cartilages.
What about ribs 11 and 12?
Ribs 11 and 12 do not connect to the sternum and end in the abdominal wall muscles.
Where can the sternum be palpated on the body?
The sternum can be palpated along its length down the front of the chest.
What is the jugular notch and where is it located?
The jugular notch, or suprasternal notch, is at the superior border of the manubrium and the medial ends of the clavicles.
What is the sternal angle and where is it found?
The sternal angle (manubriosternal joint or Angle of Louis) is a ridge at the junction of the manubrium and the body of the sternum.
What is the significance of the sternal angle?
The sternal angle allows the sternal body to move anteriorly during inhalation.
How can you locate the costal cartilage of the first rib?
The costal cartilage of the first rib is deep to the medial end of the clavicle.
Where does the second costal cartilage join the sternum?
The second costal cartilage joins the sternum at the level of the manubriosternal joint.
How can you palpate the costal margin?
The costal margin can be palpated from the xiphoid process laterally to the bone of the tenth rib.
What are intercostal spaces?
Intercostal spaces are the gaps between the ribs.
How does rib movement affect the ribcage?
Rib movement can alter the shape and size of the ribcage.
What is the origin and insertion of the orbicularis oculi muscle?
Origin: Medial margin of the orbit
Insertion: Skin of the eyelid
What is the primary action of the orbicularis oculi muscle?
Action: Closes the eyes
Where does the orbicularis oris muscle originate and insert?
Origin: Maxilla and mandible
Insertion: Skin at the corner of the mouth
What movement does the orbicularis oris muscle produce?
Action: Closes the lips
What are the origin and insertion points of the buccinator muscle?
Origin: Maxilla and mandible
Insertion: Fibres of the orbicularis oris
What is the function of the buccinator muscle?
Action: Compresses the cheek and allows sucking
Where does the masseter muscle originate and insert?
Origin: Zygomatic arch and zygomatic bone
Insertion: Mandible
What is the action of the masseter muscle?
Action: Elevates the mandible
What are the origin and insertion points of the temporalis muscle?
Origin: Temporal bone
Insertion: Mandible
What movements does the temporalis muscle perform?
Action: Elevates and retracts the mandible
Where does the sternocleidomastoid muscle originate?
Origin: Sternum and sternal end of the clavicle
What is the insertion point of the sternocleidomastoid muscle?
Insertion: Mastoid process of the temporal bone
What happens when both left and right sternocleidomastoid muscles contract?
Action: The neck flexes
What movement does the sternocleidomastoid muscle produce when only the left muscle contracts?
Action: The head rotates to the right
What is the origin and insertion of the trapezius muscle?
Origins:
Base of the skull (occipital bone)
Neck bones (cervical vertebrae C1-C7)
Upper back bones (thoracic vertebrae T1-T12)
Insertions:
Collarbone (lateral third of the clavicle)
Shoulder blade (acromion and spine of the scapula)
What is the primary action of the trapezius muscle?
Action: Extends the neck when the scapula is fixed
How do you identify the masseter muscle on a model or a person?
Identification: Located at the side of the jaw, running from the zygomatic arch to the mandible
How can you locate the temporalis muscle on a person?
Identification: Found on the side of the head, above the ear, and extends towards the mandible
How do you locate the sternocleidomastoid muscle on yourself?
Identification: Located along the side of the neck, from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid process
Where can you palpate the trapezius muscle?
Identification: On the upper back and neck, from the occipital bone and cervical and thoracic vertebrae to the clavicle and scapula
How many pairs of intercostal muscles are there?
11 pairs
What are the two layers of intercostal muscles?
External and internal
Which direction do the external intercostal muscles run?
Downward and anteriorly
What is the origin and insertion of the external intercostal muscles?
Origin: Inferior border of the rib above
Insertion: Superior border of the rib below
What happens when the external intercostal muscles contract?
The ribs are elevated, increasing the volume of the thorax, which is important for inspiration
How can you demonstrate the action of the external intercostal muscles?
Breathe in deeply
Which direction do the internal intercostal muscles run?
Downward and posteriorly
What is the origin and insertion of the internal intercostal muscles?
Origin: Superior border of the rib below
Insertion: Inferior border of the rib above
What happens when the internal intercostal muscles contract?
The ribs are depressed, reducing the volume of the thorax, which is important for forced expiration
How can you demonstrate the action of the internal intercostal muscles?
Breathe out hard
What does the diaphragm separate?
The thoracic and abdominal cavities
What is the origin of the diaphragm?
Xiphoid process, lower ribs, and the first lumbar vertebra
What is the insertion of the diaphragm?
A central tendon
Which structures pass through the diaphragm?
The aorta, oesophagus, and inferior vena cava
What happens to the diaphragm when you breathe in?
It contracts and flattens, lowering the diaphragm
What is the effect of diaphragm contraction on the thoracic cavity?
It increases the volume of the thorax and reduces pressure in and around the lungs
What does the increase in thoracic volume and reduction in pressure lead to?
Air is drawn into the lungs
What additional effect does diaphragm contraction have on intra-abdominal pressure?
It increases intra-abdominal pressure, which is important for elimination and childbirth
Where is the rectus abdominis muscle attached?
Superiorly to the sternum and costal cartilages; inferiorly to the pubic bone
What is the origin and insertion of the rectus abdominis?
Origin: Superior surface of the pubic bone
Insertion: Xiphoid process of the sternum and costal cartilage of ribs 5-7
What is the linea alba?
A tendinous seam connecting the right and left rectus abdominis muscles
What happens when the rectus abdominis contracts?
The vertebral column and trunk are flexed
How can you check the action of the rectus abdominis?
By attempting a sit-up
What happens if you attempt a sit-up while your partner blocks your movement?
The rectus abdominis cannot shorten against the external resistance, leading to increased tension in the muscle, which can be palpated
Matthew gets a blow to the head that fractures the left superior lateral surface of his
cranium. Identify which bone has been fractured
Left parietal bone
When the diaphragm contracts, it moves…
inferiorly/down/flattens.
Air is drawn into the lungs when these two muscles (or sets of muscles) contract:
(i) diaphragm
(ii) external intercostal
When performing a “sit-up” the action of the rectus abdominis is __________ of the trunk.
When performing a “sit-up” the action of the rectus abdominis is flexion of the trunk.
The ribs articulate posteriorly with the _________ vertebrae.
The ribs articulate posteriorly with the thoracic vertebrae.
The first two cervical vertebrae are called:
(i) atlas
(ii) axis
The joint between C1 and the occipital condyles is called the…
atlanto-occipital.
The upper jaw bone is called the…
maxilla
The three parts of the sternum are called:
(i) manubrium
(ii) body
(iii) xiphoid process
The joint between the manubrium and body of the sternum is called the…
manubriosternal joint or sternal angle or Angle of Louis
In addition to the internal intercostal muscles, which other muscle is involved in forced expiration?
Abdominal muscles, e.g. rectus abdominis
What is the difference between true, false, and floating ribs?
True ribs = ribs 1-7, connect directly to the sternum by costal cartilage.
False ribs = ribs 8-10, connect indirectly to the sternum as the costal cartilage of ribs 8-10
fuses with the costal cartilage of rib 7.
Floating ribs = do not connect to the sternum
As we look down the vertebral column, the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs get increasingly larger. What is the functional significance of this increase in size?
Weight bearing function. As the vertebral bodies transfer body weight to the hips and lower limbs, they must increase in size to support the increase in weight. The 5 lumbar vertebrae have the largest and thickest vertebral bodies as they bear most of the weight, supporting the weight of the head, neck, upper limbs and trunk.
Name the muscles most involved in winking
Orbicularis oculi
Name the muscles most involved in clenching your jaw
Masseter
Name the muscles most involved in drinking through a straw
Orbicularis oris (pursing the lips) & Buccinator (sucking)
