Significant/important spinal levels Flashcards
Spinal Cord termination (Adult)
L1, L2 predominate
Spinal Cord termination (Newborn)
Spinal Cord termination (Newborn)
T4
Sternal angle, 2nd costal cartilage, junction sup/inf mediastinum, aortic arch, azygos vein>SVC
Origin Great Vessels (eg. Brachiocephalic Trunk, etc)
Approximately center of manubrium or first intercostal space which puts it at the level of T3 & T4 vertebral junction
C spine levels and related structures
C1/2 – open mouth
C3 – hyoid
C4 – superior thyroid notch, bifurcation CCA
C6 – cricoid cartilage, junction pharynx/oesophagus
Sternal Angle (Angle of Louis/Manubriosternal Joint)
T4/5
Tracheal Bifurcation
T4/5
Upper heart
T6
xiphisternal joint, xiphisternal plane
T8/9
Level of the oblique fissure
T6 to 6th intercostal cartilage
Horizontal fissure
4th rib at the axillary line
Carotid fork
C4
Level of lumber puncture
L3/L4
Level of renal arteries
L1-2
Kidneys
Left/right - superior pole T11/12 - Inferior pole L2/3
Bifurcation Abdominal Aorta
L4
Head of Pancreas
L2 & L3
Superior Mesenteric Artery
L1
Inferior Mesenteric Artery
L3
Aortic Hiatus in diaphragm
T12
Vena Caval Foramen in diaphragm
T8
Esophageal Hiatus in diaphragm
T10
Apex of Heart
5th intercostal space, MCL
Tracheal Bifurcation
T4 and T5
