Spine, trunk and pelvis Flashcards
Name the 5 sections of the vertebral column and state how many vertebrae they each contain
- Cervical vertebrae: contains 7 vertebrae.
- Thoracic vertebrae: contains 12 vertebrae
- Lumbar vertebrae: contains 5 vertebrae
- Sacrum: contains 5 fused bones
- Coccyx: contains 3-4 fused bones
How can we describe the location of a vertebrae?
Each vertebrae bone has its own number and letter code that is used to name them and describe their location.
Name the different movements that the spine allows
Spinal flexion
Spinal extension
Lateral flexion
Rotation
Name 5 key landmarks within a typical vertebrae
Vertebral body
Spinous processes
Transverse processes
Vertebral foramen
Intervertebral foramen
Describe the vertebral body
It supports the weight of everything above it.
It differs in shape between the different vertebrae in the body.
Describe the transverse and spinous processes
Help provide protection.
Provide attachment points for muscles and ligaments.
Help articulate with adjoining vertebrae.
Describe the vertebral foramen
Hole in the vertebrae that allow for the spinal cord to fit into
Describe the intervertebral foramen
Space that is created when vertebras are stacked on top of one another.
It is important to allow spinal nerves to go into the spinal cord.
What is the cervical vertebrae important for?
Head and neck movement
What is the thoracic vertebrae important for?
Spinal cord protection
What is the lumber vertebrae important for?
Weight support and movement
Explain the roles of vertebral discs
- shock absorber for the spine
- help with the compression of the spine
- help to avoid damage
- help with movement: they form a fibre cartilage joint that allows slight movement and acts as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together.
Describe structure of vertebral discs
Nucleus pulposus: gel like structure which sits in the centre and accounts for strength and flexibility.
Annulus fibrosis: concentric layer of collagen fibre and allow effective resistance from multidirectional movement.
What is a disc herniation?
When the vertebral discs pops out and doesn’t sit in the correct position and puts pressure on the nerves and spinal cord.
It leads to back and leg pain.
What do the 4 natural curvatures of the spinal column do?
Help absorb and distribute the stress from everyday activities.
Name 4 deformities of the spine
Scoliosis
Kyphosis
Lordosis
Flat back
What is the thorax and what is it made up of?
A bony cage that is formed by the sternum, ribs and the thoracic vertebrae.
What does the thorax do?
Protects internal organs.
Provides support for the shoulder girdle.
Provides areas for muscle attachment.
Name the three sections of the sternum
Manubrium
Body
Xiphoid process
How many ribs are there?
12
Describe the length of the ribs
Ribs increase in length from ribs 1-7 and decrease in length from ribs 8-12.
What is the scapula important for?
Movement of the upper body in the appendicular skeleton.
Name the bones that make up the pelvis
Hip bones (ilium, pubis and ischium)
Coccyx
Sacrum
Name the key functions of the pelvic bones
Locomotion (movement)
Body weight
Childbirth
Provides protection to abdominal organs which are held within the pelvic regions.
Describe the differences between male and female pelvises
Female pelvises are larger, wider and rounded (required for childbirth)
Male pelvises are narrower and the ileus crest is higher.
Describe features of the trunk
- global system (outer layer)
- superficial muscles that span many joints
- direction specific
- fatigue rapidly
- keeps spine rigid
- allows force to be transferred
- muscles can be trained with high loads and effort, decreased frequency and duration
Describe features of the core
- local system (deep and middle layer)
- muscles that are deep and smaller
- non-directional
- highly fatigue resistant
- stabilise spine
- produce segmental control and anticipatory activity
What is the function of the trunk?
To support effort and forces from your arms and legs so that muscles and joints can perform in their safest, strongest and most effective positions.
Explain the deep muscles
Part of the local system
Responsible for controlling movement that occur within a joint.
Within the vertebral column each segment will slide and rotate on top of one another.
Name the deep muscles
Interspinalis
Rotator
Intertransversarii
Explain the middle layer muscles
Form an inner unit
When activated they create a non-compressible cylinder (intra-abdominal pressure).
Stabilises the spine and reduces pressure on the intervertebral discs.
Crucial to provide foundation for optimal arm and leg function.
Name the middle layer muscles
Diaphragm
Transversus abdominus
Levator Ani (pelvic floor)
Explain the outer layer muscles
Part of the global system
Form muscle slings
Create and maintain optimal working relationships between joints and help to coordinate various body segments for successful motion
Name the outer layer muscles
Erector spine
Quadratus lumborum
Internal obliques
External obliques
Rectus abdominus
What is lower crossed syndrome (common distortion pattern)?
Characterised by an anterior tilt of the pelvis resulting in an arched back. Typically occurs in individuals who spend prolonged periods of time in the seated position.
Results in changes in muscle length.
How do we categorise spinal exercises?
- According to the objective of the exercise and the intended physical outcome.
- Functionality
- Spinal displacement
Name the 4 categorisation of spinal exercises according to the objective of the exercise
Mobility
Motor control
Work capacity
Strength, stiffness, and power
Explain the mobility category of spinal exercises according to the objective of the exercise
The freedom of movement at spinal segments.
Provides the basis for the development of motor control and optimal spinal function.
Explain the motor control category of spinal exercises according to the objective of the exercise
The process of initiating, directing, and grading purposeful voluntary movement.
Explain the work capacity category of spinal exercises according to the objective of the exercise
The ability to produce or tolerate variable intensities and durations of work.
Contributes to the ability of an athlete to perform efficiently.
Explain the strength, stiffness and power category of spinal exercises according to the objective of the exercise
Strength = the ability to produce force
Stiffness = the ability to protect the spine and ‘stiffen’ against yielding force
Power = the rate of force development
Explain the functional category of spinal exercises according to functionality
A continuum of exercises that enable athletes to effectively manipulate their body weight in all planes of movement to achieve optimal athletic performance.
E.g., weight bearing or sport specific positions
Explain the non-functional category of spinal exercises according to functionality
Exercises that are typically performed in partial weight bearing positions.
Across a single plane of motion.
Movement isolates to fewer joints.
Explain the static category of spinal exercises according to spinal displacement
Maintenance of a neutral spinal posture
No appreciable segmental displacement
Explain the dynamic category of spinal exercises according to spinal displacement
Exercises involving appreciable dynamic segmental movement
