Spine Flashcards
the 3 sections of the spine
cervic, thoracic, and lumbar
how many vertebrae does the cervical section have
7
how many vertebrae does the thoracic section have?
12, one for each rib
what is the main movement of the thoracic section?
rotation
Describe the first vertebrae of the cervical section
The atlas. The atlas connects to the skull and is responsible for 50% flexion in the neck.
Describe the second vertebrae of the cervical section
Axis. Attaches in the Atlas as a pivot joint and is responsible for 50% of the rotation of the cervical section
What is the importance of the 7th Vertebrae?
It is the first visible vertebrae and is an important landmark because it sits right in a diamond shape in between the trapezius.
How many Vertebrae are in the spine
24 total, 7 cervical , 12 in the Thoracic, and 5 in the lumbar.
Describe the overall shape of the spine
The spine moves in 4 arch curve allowing for a maximum compromise between stability and flexibility.
Describe the curve of the cervical section
The curve of the cervical section is forward facing and the least curvy,
Describe the curve of the Thoracic section
The curve of the Thoracic section is backward facing, longest and more curvy than the cervical section, the ribcage inherits this backward lean
Describe the curve of the Lumbar section
The curve of the lumbar section is Forward facing and curvier than the thoracic section. The pelvis inherits this forward lean.
Describe the curve of the sacral section
The sacral curve is the most curvy.
Describe the all movements of the neck
Rotation, flexion, extension, and lateral bending
What is responsible for 50% of the flexion in the neck (nodding or looking up and down)
The Atlas, the first vertebrae, is responsible for 50% of the flexion in the neck.
What is responsible for 50% of the rotation in the neck
The Axis, the second vertebrae, is responsible for 50% of the rotation in the neck. It fits into the Atlas to make a pivot joint.
Which parts of the Thoracic vertebrae are visible on the surface?
Usually only the top and bottom Vertebrae are visible, but the are extreme cases where Thoracic and/ or lumbar vertebrae are visible.
How do thoracic Vertebrae look on the surface
The Thoracic vertebrae look Pointy
How do the lumbar Vertebrae look
The lumbar vertebrae look longer
What is the main motion of the Thoracic?
The main motion of the Thoracic is Rotation
What is the main motion of the Lumbar
The main motion of the Lumbar is flexion, but there is limited Lateral bending
Describe the Lumbar vertebrae and what movement they allow for.
The top 3 Lumbar vertebrae allow for lateral bending. The bottom 2 connected strongly to the coccyx.
What is the tailbone made up of
The Sacrum and the coccyx
