Spine - Ligaments, intervertebral discs, and thoracic cage

Question 1

Name 6 connective tissues which allow for movement and support of the spine?

Answer 1

Anterior longitudinal ligament
Interspinous ligaments
Superior spinous ligament
Posterior longitudinal ligament
Ligamenta flava
Intervertebral discs

Question 2

What is ‘Annulus Fibrosus’ and it’s function?

Answer 2

It is a strong structure (like ligament) which helps keep nucleus pulposus in place, and helps spine to weight bear and absorb force

Question 3

What happens to the annulus fibrosus when pressure is high?

Answer 3

It puts strain on the annulus fibrosus. This structure becomes weaker with age.

Question 4

What happens during ‘degeneration’ of an intervertebral disc?

Answer 4

It can become flatter, annulus fibrosus cannot keep nucleus pulposus in place and the height of the disc is reduced

Question 5

What happens if an intervertebral disc becomes herniated?

Answer 5

Annulus fibrosus strength is reduced (injury/age etc), therefore when spine moves there is a greater possibility that nucleus pulposus comes out or changes shape of annulus fibrosus

Question 6

How many pairs of ribs are there, and how many are true/false ribs?

Answer 6

12 - 7 pairs of true ribs (attached directly to sternum)
5 pairs of false ribs (3 pairs attach indirectly to sternum, 2 pairs of floating ribs)

Question 7

What are the ‘muscles of inspiration’?

Answer 7

• Sternocleidomastoid
• Scalenes
• External intercostals
• Internal intercostals (interchondral part)
• Diaphragm

Question 8

What are the ‘muscles of expiration’?

Answer 8

• Internal intercostals (excluding interchondral part)
• External abdominal oblique
• Internal abdominal oblique
• Transversus abdominis
• Rectus abdominis