The back, vertebral column

Question 1

What are the degrees of flexion/extension, lateral flexion and rotation in the cervical region of the back

Answer 1

40 for all

Question 2

What are the degrees of flexion/extension, lateral flexion and rotation in the thoracic region of the back

Answer 2

40, 20, 40

Question 3

What are the degrees of flexion/extension, lateral flexion and rotation in the lumbar region of the back

Answer 3

40, 20, <5

Question 4

What are the parts of a typical vertebra

Answer 4

Two main parts the vertebral body and the vertebral arch. Vertebral arch made up of pedicles next to VB, traverse processes, spinous process, and inferior and superior articular processes.

Question 5

What connects the articular processes

Answer 5

Synovial joint

Question 6

Describe the symphysis of two vertebral bodies

Answer 6

Each has a layer of hyaline cartilage, with an intervertebral disc sitting between consisting of an annulus fibrosis and a nucleus pulposus.

Question 7

Describe the annulus fibrosus

Answer 7

The anulus fibrosus consists of an outer zone of collagen fibres that surrounds an inner region of fibrocartlage. The fibres are arranged in a lamellar ‘onion skin’ like configuration. Collagen fibres insert into vertebral body

Question 8

Describe the inner nucleus pulposus

Answer 8

Soft centre in child hood becomes more fibrous in adulthood

Question 9

What happens in a slipped disc?

Answer 9

When the anulus fibrosus deteriorates allowing the nucleus pulps to slip out nerve can become compressed causing pain

Question 10

What are the ligaments of the spinal column

Answer 10

Anterior and posterior longitudnal ligament (either side vertebral bodies along length of spine), supraspinous ligament (along spinous processes along length of spine), interspinous ligaments (down middle of spinous processes), ligamenta flava (run posterior to the spinal cord in between lamina)

Question 11

Two groups of back muscles

Answer 11

Extrinsic and intrinsic

Question 12

Name the intrinsic back muscles (erector spinae)

Answer 12

Iliocostalis, longissimus, spinalis, (lateral to medial). Also multifidus which runs from transverse to to spinous process a few levels in between.

Question 13

Name the extrinsic back muscles

Answer 13

Latissimus dorsi, serratus posterior inferior and superior

Question 14

What is filet minion

Answer 14

Longissimus and iliocostalis

Question 15

Why is rotation restricted in the lumbar region

Answer 15

In the thoracic region the superior and inferior facets are flat. In the lumbar region the facets are curved inwards locking the facets together.

Question 16

Nerve supply to discs.

Answer 16

Mainly from sympathetic chain. Not specific to vertebral levels resulting in non specific pain locations.

Question 17

Vascular supply to disc

Answer 17

Posterior intercostal arteries