Spine Function Flashcards
Define Axial Skeleton
Aka vertebral column/spine
Made up of individual ‘vertebrae’ that are stacked on top of each other
Define vertebral unit
Two adjacent vertebrae and intervertebral disc between
State the spinal curves
- Cervical curve - anterior convexity: Lordosis
a. Supports the skull
b. Changes to thoracic at cervical-thoracic junction - C8 - Thoracic curve - anterior concavity: Kyphosis
- Lumbar curve - anterior convexity: Lordosis
- Sacral curve - anterior concavity: Kyphosis
Normal varying degree of each of these curves in each individual
Define lordosis
Anterior curve in the lumbar or cervical region
hyper lordosis = too much anterior curve in lumbar/cervical region
Loss of lordosis = insufficient anterior curve
Define Kyphosis
Posterior curve in the thoracic region
Hyper kyphosis = too much posterior curve in thoracic region
Loss of kyphosis = insufficient posterior curve in thoracic region
Define scoliosis
A lateral curvature with a rotation component
Exaggerated on spinal flexion
X-ray - COBB angle = degree of scoliosis
Define Mal-adapted movement pattern
A adapted movement pattern initially used to prevent pain that has been adapted for long-term, worsening symptoms
For e.g. limping
State functions of the spine
• Supports the thoracic cage - provides strong base for ribs, allowing for change in intrathoracic dimensions
• Muscle attachment particularly pelvic and pectoral girdle and spinal muscles - vertebrae = irregular bones w/many features
• Upper Limb and lower limb attachment and function - mobility and gait
• Protection of the spinal cord
• Shock absorption: vertebral bodies/muscles/curves, intervertebral disc
• Production and control of movement
○ Spine is very stable as it can take high loads - lot of ligaments and muscles supporting
What is normal standing posture
Line of gravity should line:
1. Middle Mastoid process - posterior to ear 2. Through the Shoulder Joint 3. Through or sl. posterior to Hip Joint 4. Sl. anterior to Knee Joint 5. Sl. anterior to Ankle Joint 6. Through calcaneocuboid joint
How many spinal nerves are there in each region
31 pairs
8 - cervical 12 - thoracic 5 - lumbar 5 - sacral 1 - coccygeal
C3,4,5 keep you alive - these nerve roots keep you breathing thus do not want to dens #
Cauda equina = supplies bladder and bowels
Explain the spinal implications of spinal cord in thoracic region
Spinal canal very narrow in thoracic spine as the vertebral larger as the spine lowers
Implications for spinal cord injuries with spinal fractures in this region
Thoracic spinal nerve (ventral ramus) runs in intercostal space between ribs
Clinical case:
○ Irritation of thoracic nerve root can produce pain radiating around chest wall in sloping direction following path of ribs
○ Shingles = neuritis of thoracic spinal nerve - becomes inflamed and wraps around same intercostal space (associated w/ rash); very painful and debilitating
Physio - must rule this out as shingles is contagious and to clear from differential diagnosis
What is the primary functions of the Cx
Mobility and support the head
Protection of spinal canal for spinal cord and Cx peripheral nerves
Where does majority of Cx lordosis occur
Cervical lordosis Occ-C7 averages 40°
Most of the lordosis occurs at the C1-C2 segment
What is the vertebral artery and where does it travel through
Passes through all foramen transversarium of C ascending into base of skull within foramen magnum - where it joins with the vertebral artery on the contralateral side to form the basilar artery
What is the function of the basilar artery
Basilar artery forms posterior arch of Circle of Willis which provides compensatory blood flow to all areas of the brain in situations where there is insufficiency in one vessel
