The Spine

Question 1

What does the spine do?

Answer 1

The spine provides the main support for the body, allowing it to stand upright, bend and twist, while protecting the spinal cord from injury

Question 2

What are the 5 regions of the spine?

Answer 2

• Cervical (C1-C7)
• Thoracic (T1-T12)
• Lumbar (L1-L5)
• Sacral (S1-S5)
• Coccyx
• 24 movable vertebrae (sacral and coccyx are fused together)

Question 3

Describe the Cervical Spine

Answer 3

• Supports the weight of the head

- Atlas (C1) and Axis (C2) allows head to swivel and nod

Question 4

Describe the Thoracic Spine

Answer 4

• Main function is to hold the rib cage and protect the heart and lungs
• Limited range of motion in the thoracic spine

Question 5

Describe the Lumbar Spine

Answer 5

• Main function is to bear the weight of the body

- Therefore these are the largest vertebrae

Question 6

Describe the different spinal defects (curvature)

Answer 6

• Scoliosis: abnormal side to side
• Kyphosis: Abnormal curvature of the thoracic spine
• Lordosis: Abnormal curvature of the lumbar spine

Question 7

Describe the three main parts of a vertebra

Answer 7

• Cylindrical shaped body (primarily for withstanding compression)
• Star Shaped processes (for muscle attachment)
• Hollow vertebral canal (for spinal cord and nerves)

Question 8

What is the difference between a pedicle and a process?

Answer 8

• Each vertebra has two cylinder-shaped projections, called pedicles, of hard bone that stick out from the back part of the vertebral body, providing side protection for the spinal cord and nerves
• The pedicles also serve as a bridge, joining the front and back parts of the vertebra
• Spinous and transverse process are bony projections and provide points of attachment for muscles and ligaments

Question 9

Describe the intervertebral disc (IVD)

Answer 9

• Outer ring of IVD is called the Annulus fibrosus*
• Inner part is called the Nucleus pulposus
• Injury can cause disc to bulge or herniate to compress nerves and cause back pain

Question 10

What are the different planes of the body?

Answer 10

Coronal (vertically through the side of body), Sagittal (vertically through the front of body) and Axial (horizontally through body)

Question 11

What is the Dorsal?

Answer 11

the back or posterior side of the body

Question 12

What is the ventral?

Answer 12

front or anterior side of the body

Question 13

What is paraplegia?

Answer 13

paralysis of legs and lower body below the arms indicating an injury to the thoracic or lumbar spine

Question 14

What is quadriplegia?

Answer 14

paralysis of legs and arms indicating an injury to the cervical spine (more dangerous)

Question 15

What is scoliosis called for under 10’s?

Answer 15

Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS)

Question 16

what is idiopathic?

Answer 16

the cause is unknown

Question 17

What is congenital scoliosis?

Answer 17

before baby is born

Question 18

What are the other types of scoliosis?

Answer 18

(EOS), Idiopathic, Congenital, Neuromuscular

Question 19

What are the main points about scoliosis in children?

Answer 19

• Psychological impact
• Biomechanics of the spine can be altered
• Spine and ribs can push against lungs; particularly threatening to life in children

Question 20

Scoliosis - Non-surgical treatment

Answer 20

• most scoliosis requires no treatment
• monitor
• Bracing: worn under clothing and is removable
• Casting: applied under general anaesthetic