The back; Bones, Ligaments and Muscles

Question 1

How many bones makes up the vertebral column?

Answer 1

33 bones

Question 2

What is special about the bones in the vertebral column?

Answer 2

The vertebral column consists of a series of irregular bones

Question 3

What are the different vertebra separated by?

Answer 3

The vertebra are separated from each other by fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disks

Question 4

What are the 5 regions of vertebra and how many vertebra are in each region?

Answer 4

Cervical Vertebra - x7
Thoracic Vertebra - x12
Lumbar Vertebra - x5
Sacral Vertebra - x5
Cocygeal Vertebra - x1 - 4

Remember; Breakfast at 7, Lunch at 12 and Dinner at 5

Question 5

Why does the number of vertebra in the Cocygeal region vary?

Answer 5

As the number of vertebra that fuse together varies from one person to another.

Some people all 4 of their Coccygeal vertebra have fused together giving them only 1 bone and in others none have fused giving them 4 bones

Question 6

What are the 6 primary functions of the vertebral column?

Answer 6

The vertebral column;
- Enables upright posture 
- Supports body weight 
- Protects and transmits spinal cord and 
spinal nerves 
- Supports the skull and allows for its 
movement 
- Contributes to the rib cage 
- Locomotion: Provides attachment for 
trunk muscles

Question 7

What are primary curvatures, when are they present and in what regions?

Answer 7

Primary curvatures are;

• Present in-utero where the foetus’ spine is fully curved dorsally (Kyphosis)
• Concave anteriorly (Kyphosis)
• Remains in thoracic and sacral regions after birth

Question 8

What does Kyphosis mean?

Answer 8

A concave anteriorly

The curved part is pointing dorsally

Question 9

What does Lordosis mean?

Answer 9

A concave posteriorly

The curved part is pointing anteriorly

Question 10

What are secondary curvatures, when are they present and in what regions?

Answer 10

Secondary curvatures;

• Are not present in a foetus in-utero
• Are in the cervical and lumbar regions
• Do not develop until an infant lifts their head and stands to walk

Question 11

What are the 10 main components to any typical vertebra, their functions?

Answer 11

Vertebral body - chunky bit at the front that takes most of the weight from the body/supportive function

Vertebral endplate/Intervertebral surface - part that is taking part in the joint between 2 vertebral bodies, covered in hyaline cartilage (secondary Cartilaginous) it will articulate with an intervertebral disk to form a intervertebral joint

Vertebral arch - Behind vertebral body

Sub parts;

• Pedical, means foot of vertebral arch - articulating / connected to vertebral body
• Lamina, plate or flat area used for ligament and muscle attachment

This vertebral arch encloses a vertebral foramen and when lots of these are stacked together these become continuous and for a vertebral canal in which our spinal cord runs in

Transverse processes - sticky bits out of sides

Spinous process - sticky bit out of back

Superior articular facet and inferior articular facet articulate with one another - vertebrae are a synovial joint and are prone to wear and tear these facet joints, arthritis (osseo and rhemetoid arthritis)

These facet joints are also known as zygapophyseal joints

Inferior veritable notch and superior veritable notch - when 2 stack together form an intervertebral foramen

Draw this diagram

Question 12

What is bone-bone separated by in the vertebral column?

Answer 12

Bone to bone is separated by a fibrocartilaginous disk (secondary cartilaginous joint between vertebral bodies)

Question 13

What are articular facets and joints susceptible too?

Answer 13

Articular facets and joint are susceptible to arthritis and back pain

Question 14

What are the 4 main characteristics of the Cervical Vertebra?

Answer 14

They have Uncinate processes at lateral edges for synovial articulation with vertebra above. They help to deepen the socket between 1 cervical vertebrae and another

Transvers foramen - a whole in the transverse process which contains the vertebral artery and vein , going up through the holes in these vertebrae, being one of the ways to get blood to the brain

Its spinous process is bifid - bifocated at back - Main way to recognise a cervical vertebra

Superior Articular facets are flat, facing superiorly and posteriorly. They are directed postero-laterally.
- Movements can occur here due to the Superior articular facets being flat

Question 15

What kind of movements can occur in the Cervical region?

Answer 15

Flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion

Question 16

What are the 3 irregular vertebrae found in the cervical region?

Answer 16

C1 (the Atlas), C2 (Axis) and C7

Question 17

What makes the Atlas/C1 vertebrae irregular?

Answer 17

No vertebral body

Has very big superior articular facets articulate with the occipital condyles (base of skull)

Its inferior articular facets articular with the Axis (C2)

Around back there is a groove behind the articular facets for vertebral artery which will come up and pass around the back of the articular facet to go up into the skull

Question 18

What kind of joint occurs from the occipital bone in the head to the C1 vertebra and what kind of movement does this allow for?

Answer 18

The Atlanto-occipital joint allows for a little flexion extension in neck

Question 19

What is unique about the Axis/C2 vertebra, what kind of joint occurs from here and what kind of movement does this allow for?

Answer 19

The Axis/C2 vertebra. has an Odontoid process/Dens which is a tooth-like, sticky up bit at front of C2 vertebra and is used for articulation with the anterior arch of the Atlas

Odontoid process/Dens - allows for rotation of head and neck at the Atlanta-axial joint (making up one of our pivot joints)

Odontoid peg takes the place of the vertebral body of C1, odontoid peg is derived form the vertebral body of C1

It superior articular facets are quite flat to articulate with the inferior facets of the atlas (atlanto-axial joint)

Question 20

What are the 5 main characteristics of the Thoracic Vertebra?

Answer 20

Has a Heart shaped body and circular vertebral canal

Has a long, downward/inferiorly projected,
spinous process which overlaps 2 vertebrae points

Vertebral Body contains superior and inferior costal demi facets for the articulation with the heads of 2 pairs
of ribs because one rib articulates with half of a facet on the vertebrae above and half of a facet on the vertebra below itself - hence demi facets

Transverse processes has transverse costal facet that articulates with the tubercle of rib - Its transverse processes are very long and stick way out the side

Superior articular facets are flat and point straight backwards/postero-laterally, on a the arc of the circle
- This allows for 1 of the thoracic vertebra to rotate on the articular facets of another

Question 21

What kind of movement occurs in the Thoracic vertebra and why doesn’t it have any different types of movement?

Answer 21

Main movement in thoracis vertebra is rotation, Due to them being packed very closely together you cannot flex or extend them

Question 22

What are the 3 atypical vertebrae found in the Thoracic region and what makes them atypical?

Answer 22

T1, T11 and T12 because they have a full articular facet, not a demi articular facet like other thoracic vertebrae because the rib just articulates with 1 vertebrae at the top and bottom

Question 23

What parts of the Thoracic vertebrae does the ribs articulate with?

Answer 23

Rib articulates with the;

• Demi facet on the body
• Facet on the transverse process (it has a long transverse process with a facet for articulation with the tubercle of its own rib)

Question 24

What are the 3 main characteristics of the Lumbar Vertebra?

Answer 24

Lumbar vertebrae contain the largest vertebral body compared to the rest of the vertebra

Its Superior Articular Facets are concaved and facing postero-medially, interlocking with
inferior facets so if we stack 1 lumbar vertebrae on top of another this stops rotation, so we only get flexion and extension

Lumber spinous process is short, stumpy and thick quadrangular spinous process

Question 25

Why should we avoid trying to distinguish lumbar vertebral from their large vertebral bodies when in the Dissection Room?

Answer 25

Between individuals don’t rely on the size of the lumbar vertebra being bigger as it wont coincide (our vertebrae all vary in size but are proportional to our own vertebrae) I.e - Some people have larger thoracic vertebra than others lumber vertebra

Question 26

What kind of movement is found in the lumbar vertebra and why?

Answer 26

Flexion and extension as its Superior Articular Facets are concaved and facing postero-medially, interlocking with inferior facets so if we stack 1 lumbar vertebrae on top of another this stops rotation Extension is greatest movement, flexion and some lateral flexion, but no rotation

Question 27

What are the 8 main characteristics of the Sacrum Vertebra?

Answer 27

Formed by fusion of 5 vertebrae On the anterior surface we have the sacral promontory - When you look at the sacrum from above you can see that it sticks out quite a bit and this is the anterior projection of S1 At either side of the sacral promontory we have the Sacral ala (looks like wings) Median, intermediate, lateral crests: Union of spinous, articular and transverse processes, respectively Anterior and Posterior foramen on the front and back of the sacrum and nerves go in and out foramena On the Anterior foramen we have ventral rami (contains nerves) coming out On the Posterior foramen we have dorsal rami (contains nerves) coming out Sacral hiatus is where veritable arch of the of the lower sacral vertebrae hasn’t fused and has left a little gap Cornu (meaning horn) parts at either side of hiatus

Question 28

What would you expect to see in a scan of a juveniles sacrum?

Answer 28

In juvenile will see what looks like a fracture, just growing bones - don’t fuse until late teens early 20's

Question 29

What potential procedures does the Sacral Hiatus allow us to do?

Answer 29

Can use as a route to enter the vertebral canal - can stick a needle up and sample CSF, especially in juveniles

Question 30

What is the Cauda equina?

Answer 30

frayed part spinal cord turns into

Question 31

What hangs from the Sacrum?

Answer 31

The Coccygeal Vertebra

Question 32

How many bones are in the Coccygeal vertebra?

Answer 32

Between 1-4 vertebrae a there is a great deal of variation in fusion In a lot of people the lower coccygeal vertebrae never ossify and remain as cartilaginous masses

Question 33

What are the 2 types of joints found in the vertebral column?

Answer 33

1). Zygapophyseal (facet) joints - synovial joints between articular processes 2). Symphysis or secondary cartilaginous joint between endplates and the intervertebral discs

Question 34

What is the intervertebral foramen?

Answer 34

Spinal nerves emerge from the intervertebral foramen The intervertebral foramen a small space formed when the superior vertebral notch of one vertebra aligns with the inferior vertebral notch above of another vertebra with contribution from the intervertebral disc which forms part of the anterior border of the intervertebral foramen

Question 35

What is the intervertebral disk composed of and what is its function?

Answer 35

Consists of an outer anulus fibrosus, which surrounds a central nucleus pulposus Nucleus pulposus; • Gelatinous layer (made from 70-90% water) • Absorbs compressive forces between vertebrae (acts as a shock absorbent) • Relative collagen content increase with age and dehydration of this mass. Anulus fibrosus; • Very strong, concentric lamellae (layed down one layer on top of another) of fibrocartilage * Attached strongly and is kept in place by anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments (which attach to the vertebral bodies of the vertebral column). * It keeps the nucleus pulposus in place

Question 36

Why do people shrink as they get older?

Answer 36

As you get older the nucleus pulposus will dehydrate causing a loss in mass and increase in collagen content A great deal of the length of the vertebral column (20-25%) is made up by these intervertebral disks, so when they dehydrate we shrink

Question 37

At what time of the day are we taller and why?

Answer 37

During day you are taller than you are at night, as you’ve been on your feet all day putting pressure through your intervertebral disks - only by a few cm

Question 38

What else does the intervertebral contribute to in the spine?

Answer 38

The intervertebral disc also contributes to the shape of spinal curvatures

Question 39

What happens when force is transmitted through the vertebrae?

Answer 39

The nucleus pulposus is being squeezed like squashing a tennis ball

Question 40

What are bone and intervertebral discs an example of and what does this mean they require?

Answer 40

Bone and intervertebral disks are living tissues and need a blood supply

Question 41

How are the different parts of the intervertebral disc supplied with blood?

Answer 41

We have a segmental blood supply to the vertebral bodies. From that segmental supply we get some little arteries that comes through into the periphery of disk, not through the centre of disk. The annulus fibrosis is supplied by neighbouring capillaries The nucleus pulposus is nourished by diffusion from the periphery arteries located in the body of the vertebra

Question 42

What may happen to the intervertebral discs to allow for movement between the vertebral bodies and what can this lead to?

Answer 42

Discs may deform to allow movement between the vertebral bodies This may put pressure on the nucleus pulposus

Question 43

What can happen to the Annulus Fibrosis over wear, tear and age?

Answer 43

The annulus fibrosus may degenerate and weaken

Question 44

What happens to the intervertebral disc when bending forward?

Answer 44

When bending forward and flexing the spine you get compression at the anterior of the disc and not at the posterior part of the disk - there is an uneven force through this disc

Question 45

What can a deformed intervertebral disc, pressure on the nucleus pulposus. and a degenerating and weakening Annulus Fibrosis lead to?

Answer 45

A herniated/prolapsed disc

Question 46

What vertebrae does the spinal cord stop at?

Answer 46

L1/L2

Question 47

Why is the term 'slipped disc' anatomically incorrect and shouldn't be used?

Answer 47

This term is wrong as the whole disk doesn’t slip out!

Question 48

What part of the intervertebral disc herniates/prolapses? How does this happen and what can this lead to?

Answer 48

The part that herniates/prolapses is the Nucleus pulposus. It squeezes its way out through a degenerately weakened anulus fibrosis (outside coating of nucleus pulposus). Once it herniates it can press on nervous structures

Question 49

What regions can herniated/prolapsed discs occur in and why?

Answer 49

Occurs most common in lumber region (as this is where we do the majority of our movement of flexion and extension and a great deal of force is being put through) However it can occur in the cervical region as well

Question 50

At what position does a herniated disc come out?

Answer 50

The central position of the posterior longitudinal ligament means that most disc herniations are posterolateral, towards the intervertebral foramen and not straight backwards.

Question 51

Because of the direction the herniated disc comes out what does this mean about symptom?

Answer 51

Symptoms may only be unilateral (only affects one side of the body)

Question 52

What nerves does the herniated disc affect around it and why?

Answer 52

Due to the disc forming the anterior aspect of the foramen is will bulge out inferiorly and not superiorly hence the spinal nerve will most likely emerge above the prolapsing disc and escapes injury and the spinal nerves below the level of the herniated disc that will be affected. I.e - Herniation of the intervertebral disc of L4/5 will not affect the L4 nerve it will affect L5 and downwards

Question 53

If a patient has a defect in their L3 dermatome (area of skin that is mainly supplied by the spinal nerve L3) then what disk would you suspect has herniated?

Answer 53

The patients L2/3 intervertebral disk has herniated as it is the disk above where you are getting symptoms of the defect from

Question 54

What must the vertebral bones be supported by?

Answer 54

Ligaments

Question 55

What is the name of the ligament that attaches between the base of the skull and atlas?

Answer 55

The Anterior Atlanto-Occipital ligament runs between the base of the skull and atlas

Question 56

What is the name of the ligament that attaches between the atlas and axis?

Answer 56

The Atlanto-Axial membrane/ligament runs between body of Atlas (C1) and the Axis (C2)

Question 57

What are the Anterior Atlanto-Occipital ligament and the The Atlanto-Axial ligament part of?

Answer 57

The Anterior Atlanto-Occipital ligament and the The Atlanto-Axial ligament are part of the anterior longitudinal ligament. It runs all the way from the Occipital bone down to the sacrum

Question 58

What is the function of the Anterior longitudinal ligament and where does it run?

Answer 58

``` The is a broad band on the anterior surfaces of the bodies of vertebrae; — it runs from the Atlas to the sacrum — it limits extension and prevents hyperextension ```

Question 59

Where do the main ligaments supporting the vertebral bodies run?

Answer 59

Within the vertebral canal we have more ligaments which run down the back of the vertebral body

Question 60

Where does the Tectorial Membrane run and what is its function?

Answer 60

Tectorial Membrane; — Extends between the foramen magnum (the hole in the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes) and C2 - Runs posterior to vertebra — The tectorial ligament is continuous with the posterior longitudinal ligament

Question 61

What is the features and function of the posterior longitudinal ligament?

Answer 61

``` The posterior longitudinal ligament is a narrow band on the posterior surfaces of the bodies of vertebrae — between C2 to sacrum — resists hyper-flexion ```

Question 62

What is the Foramen Magnum?

Answer 62

The hole in the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes.

Question 63

Where does the longitudinal ligament run through and to?

Answer 63

Runs through the vertebral canal running on the posterior of all the vertebral bodies and carries on all the way down to the sacrum

Question 64

What is the role and features of the ligaments lava?

Answer 64

Ligamental flavum - yellow ligament (looks yellow) - extends from one vertebral lamina to the lamina below; — limit sudden flexion and support the curvatures — continues superiorly as the Posterior Atlanto- Axial and Atlanto-OccipitaI Membranes If we look into the posterior wall of our vertebral canal we can see the ligamental flavum and we can see it runs from one lamina (1 vertebra to another) to the next then breaks then to the next and breaks. They are said to be a paired structure with one on each side - However they very often just meet in the midline

Question 65

What ligament runs between all transverse processes?

Answer 65

Intertransverse | ligaments

Question 66

What are the 3 ligaments associated with the spinous processes, their functions and features ?

Answer 66

Supraspinous ligaments runs between tips of spines and run from sacrum closely associated spinous processes until it reaches C7 - continues with Ligamentum Nuchae ``` Ligamentum Nuchae (Nuchal Ligament) extends between external occipital protuberance and posterior edge of foramen magnum, down to C7 - Limits flexion, provides muscle attachment ``` Interspinous ligaments - between all spinous processes Ligamentum Nuchae is continuous with he Supraspinous ligaments

Question 67

Why don't we see the anterior curvature in the neck/lordosis of the neck?

Answer 67

As the curvature/lordosis is filled in by the Ligamentum Nuchae and all of the muscles associated with it

Question 68

Where are the Alar ligaments and what is their function in C2?

Answer 68

Alar Ligaments: Alar - 'Looks like wings' From sides of dens/odontoid peg to sides of foramen magnum - Prevent excessive rotation

Question 69

Where are the Apical ligaments and what is their function in C2?

Answer 69

From the very top/apex of the dens going up to the occipital bone we have an Apical ligament

Question 70

Where are the Transverse ligaments and what is their function in C2?

Answer 70

Behind/posterior to the dens we have a transverse ligament - helps hold the dens in place by holding it close to the anterior arch and allows us to have put pivot joint there

Question 71

Where are the Longitudinal fascicles and what is their function?

Answer 71

Longitudinal fascicles runs from C2 to the occipital bone

Question 72

What makes up the cruciate ligament and what is their function?

Answer 72

Transverse ligament + superior and inferior longitudinal fascicles = cruciate ligament Prevents excessive movement between the axis, atlas and occiput

Question 73

Where do arteries that nourish the vertebra arise from?

Answer 73

Segmental arteries come around to form anastomotic rings that arise from the vertebral arteries and posterior intercostal and lumbar branches of aorta They go into the intervertebral foramen on either side and penetrate the vertebral body and anastomose all around it

Question 74

What parts drain the blood from the vertebra?

Answer 74

Venous plexuses | coalesce and drain to the veins equivalent to the above arteries

Question 75

What are the 2 different types of Venous plexuses?

Answer 75

Venous plexuses outside the external canal we call the 'external venous plexuses Venous plexuses within the vertebral canal we call the 'internal venous plexuses'

Question 76

How are muscles of the back separated?

Answer 76

Muscles of the back are separated into layers and classified by their actions. One classification we can do is Intrinsic and Extrinsic back muscles (related to embryology); - Intrinsic back muscles - are 'true' back muscles - Extrinsic back muscles - Are upper limb muscles that moves scapula and humorous (not true back muscles)

Question 77

What are the 3 features of extrinsic back muscles?

Answer 77

The extrinsic muscles are; - superficial - involved with movements of the upper limbs and thoracic wall - innervated by anterior rami/ventral rami of spinal nerves

Question 78

What are the 5 features of extrinsic back muscles?

Answer 78

Intrinsic muscles are; - Located deep, between the spinous processes and the angle of the ribs - adapted to provide support and movement in resistance to the effect of gravity - move the vertebral column and trunk - participate in moving the head - innervated by the posterior/dorsal rami of spinal nerves

Question 79

Why are intrinsic back muscles stronger than flexors?

Answer 79

Stronger than the flexors because extension (such as | lifting an object) is in opposition to gravity

Question 80

What does innervated mean?

Answer 80

Supply (an organ or other body part) with nerves.

Question 81

What muscles are present in the superficial layer of the back?

Answer 81

- Trapezius | - Latissimus dorsi

Question 82

Where does the trapezius run from and attach to?

Answer 82

Extends from back of the skull, to ligamentum nuchae, to the spines of C7 to T12 then changes direction and goes up to the scapula and clavicle (laterally) to complete a triangular shape

Question 83

What are the functions of the 3 different parts of the trapezius? and the final general function?

Answer 83

Superior part - lift the shoulders Middle part - retracts scapula Inferior part - depress scapula Extends neck

Question 84

Where does the motor innervation come from to m one the trapezium?

Answer 84

An accessory nerve (which is a cranial nerve that comes out of the skull)

Question 85

What does Latissimus Dorsi mean?

Answer 85

Literally means 'widest muscle of the back'

Question 86

Where does the Latissimus Dorsi run from and too?

Answer 86

The Latissimus Dorsi comes all the way up from the iliac crest passing through in this area of attachment known as the Thoracolumbar fascia and extends up there and inserts into the humorous. From the humerus it goes to the lower ribs before going from the spines of T6 to T 12 lower and back to the iliac crest.

Question 87

What is the job of the Latissimus Dorsi?

Answer 87

It extends and adduct your shoulder (helps with chin ups, pull ups and rowing)

Question 88

What is the Latissimus Dorsi innervated by?

Answer 88

Innovated by a nerve called the Thoracodorsal nerve (a branch of the brachial plexus) - You can simplify it and say it’s the nerve to the Latissimus Dorsi but Thoracodorsal is more common

Question 89

What 5 muscles are in the next layer which is deeper to the trapezius and Lastissimus Dorsi?

Answer 89

Levator scapulae Rhomboid major and minor: Serratus posterior superior Serratus posterior inferior

Question 90

What is the function and position of the Levator scapulae?

Answer 90

Levator scapulae is a muscle which comes up the very top up to the neck and elevates the scapula

Question 91

What is the function and position of the Rhomboid Major and Minor?

Answer 91

Are 2 roughly 'square' shaped muscles. They retract and elevate the scapula as well, and bring the scapula backwards Major - lower Minor - Higher

Question 92

What is the function and position of the Serratus posterior superior?

Answer 92

Serratus posterior superior - helps elevate the ribs during inspiration They are tissue paper thin and very small, you will very likely damage them when you try to find them These muscles are accessory muscles of respiration and they attach to the ribs

Question 93

What is the function and position of the Serratus posterior inferior?

Answer 93

Serratus posterior inferior - helps depress the ribs during expiration They are tissue paper thin and very small, you will very likely damage them when you try to find them These muscles are accessory muscles of respiration and they attach to the ribs

Question 94

What are the 5 features of the deepest layer of intrinsic back muscles?

Answer 94

- Run from skull, through cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions to pelvis - Keep the vertebral column upright and in extension against gravity - Arranged in 3 layers - Superficial, Intermediate, Deep - Move the back and trunk - Are innervated by Dorsal Rami of spinal nerves

Question 95

What muscles are found in the superficial layer of the intrinsic muscles and what are their function?

Answer 95

Splenius Capitis - Part attaches to head Splenius Cervicis - Part attaches to neck - Same muscle, different parts If you contract one side your head on one side will go laterally inferior (on top of shoulder) with a little rotation If the Splenius Capitis and Cervicis act together the neck is extended

Question 96

What intrinsic muscles are found in the intermediate layer and what is it made up of?

Answer 96

Erector Spinae Erector spinae group of 3 muscles; Iliocostalis - Goes up from the illium attaching to the ribs and all the way up neck Longissimus - Muscle in between them which is pretty. Long, goes all the way up to the head Spinalis - Muscle lies next to the spinous processes, lies very close to spinous processes

Question 97

What are the Illiocostalisthoracic or spinalouslumborum muscles?

Answer 97

These aren't different muscles they are sub parts of the erector muscles I.e - There is 1 spinalis muscle which has 1 thoracic part and 1 cervices part

Question 98

What are the intrinsic muscles that run in the deep layer of the back?

Answer 98

Transversospinalis muscles; Semispinalis; - Most impressive of the 3 - It runs about half of the length of the vertebral column, hence semispinalis - It has a part which attaches to the neck and a part which attaches to the head - So it has semispinalous-cervicous and Semispinalous-capitus - Deep to our errector spinae - Running half of the length of the vertebral column Multifidus; - It is small - Goes from lamina down to transverse processes - It helps rotate the vertebral column Rotatores; - Comes from lamina down to the transverse process, so the vertebra below - Helps rotate the spine - Deepest muscle of the back

Question 99

What is the final group of muscles in the deep layer of the intrinsic back muscles and what is its functions and subunits of this?

Answer 99

Levatores costorum; - help elevate ribs - Accessory muscles of respiration - They aren't really back muscles but are innovated by dorsal rami of spinal nerves so we include them Subdivisions; - Rotatores brevis (short rotatores) - Goes from 1 transverse process to the rib below - Rotatores longus (long rotatores) - goes from 1 transverse process to the rib 2 below

Question 100

What are the function and a feature of intertransverse muscles?

Answer 100

Intertransverse muscles which are small but they help with lateral flexion

Question 101

What are the features of interspinous muscles?

Answer 101

Interspinous muscles - very small and very distinct

Question 102

What are the 4 deep neck muscles and where are they located?

Answer 102

Obliquus capitis superior - which goes from the transverse process of C1 up to the occipital bone Obliquus capitis inferior - which goes from the spinous process of C2 out to the transverse process of C1 Rectus capitis posterior major - which goes from the spinous process of C2 up to the occipital bone Rectus capitis posterior minor - which goes from the vestigial spinous process of C1 up to the occipital bone

Question 103

What are deep neck muscles just beneath?

Answer 103

Deep to semispinalis capitis

Question 104

What muscles make up the Sub-occipital Triangle ?

Answer 104

Obliquus capitis superior, Obliquus capitis superior and Rectus capitis posterior major

Question 105

Why is The Sub Occipital Triangle a handy little landmark?

Answer 105

Because in the base of that triangle you should find the vertebral artery and sub-occipital nerve, so if you need to anesthetise the back of the head or for some reason get into the vertebral artery, you will find it in this sub-occipital triangle.