Spinal Anatomy Flashcards
Coronal Plane
Aka frontal plane. Is a vertical cut that divides the body into front and back. (A-P)
Sagittal Plane
Median Plane. Is a vertical cut that divides the body into left and right sections. Lateral X-ray
Axial Plane
Transverse Plane. Is a horizontal cut that divides the body into upper and lower sections.
Six degrees of freedom in the spine
Flexion (Forward Bending)
Extension (Backward Bending)
Left/Right Side Bending
Left/Right Rotation
The spine is composed of what motion segments?
Intervertebral disc and facet joints connecting any two adjacent vertebrae and is the functional unit of the spinal column.
Which vertebrae is the Atlas
C1
Which vertebrae is the Axis?
C2
Range of normal Cervical Lordosis?
20°-40°
Range of normal thoracic kyphosis?
20°-40°
Range of normal Lumbar lordosis?
30°-50°
Kyphosis
A curvature in the sagittal plane with Anterior concavity (concavity toward the front).
Kyphosis is present in thoracic and sacral spine.
Lordosis
A curvature in the sagittal plane with posterior concavity (concavity towards the back).
The spine has a cervical lordosis and Lumbar lordosis.
Primary Curves
Fetus starts in kyphosis but overtime only thoracic and sacral areas maintain kyphotic throughout life.
Secondary Curves
Lordotic Curves develop as a response to bearing weight. Once babies develop muscle in neck they become able to raise head and balance over shoulders. Cervical and Lumbar lordosis are considered secondary Curves.
3 functions of the spine
- Protecting the spinal cord, nerve roots and internal organs of the thorax and abdomen.
- Providing flexibility of motion.
- Providing structural support and balance for an upright posture.
