The Spine and Joints

Question 1

Cervical Vertebrae (C1-C7)

Answer 1

Allows movement of the head, bending and twisting of the neck

Question 2

Thoracic Vertebrae (T1-T12)

Answer 2

Supports the rib cage and allow some bending and rotation of the trunk

Question 3

Lumbar Vertebrae (L1-L5)

Answer 3

Largest and strongest of the vertebrae of the spinal column

Question 4

Sacrum

Answer 4

Transmits weight of body to hips and legs

Question 5

Conditions that can cause Spinal Abnormalities

Answer 5

• Kyphosis
• Lordosis
• Scoliosis

Question 6

Number of Ribs

Answer 6

• 12 pairs of ribs
• 7 ‘True Ribs’ (attached
  to the sternum)
• 8, 9 & 10 are ‘False Ribs’ (attached to each other)
• 11 & 12 are ‘Floating Ribs’ (not attached at front)

Question 7

What are Joints

Answer 7

• A JOINT is the place of union between two or more bones.
• Joints are the functional units that permit body movement.
• Movement occurs when muscles contract, pulling on the bones.

Question 8

Fibrous Joints

Answer 8

Fixed joints that are held together by fibrous connective tissue

Examples
* Cranium, tibiofibular joint, radioulnar joint

Question 9

Cartilaginous Joints

Answer 9

Slightly moveable joints that occur where bones are united by intervening cartilage

Examples
* Spine, public bones, manubriosternal joint

Question 10

Synovial Joints

Answer 10

• Freely moveable joints that are the most common joint in the human body.
• Synovial joints can be defined based on the movements they allow.
• Gliding joint
• Ball and socket joint
• Hinge joint

Examples
* Knee joint, hip joint, shoulder joint

Question 11

Bursae

Answer 11

• Closed sacs filled with synovial fluid.
• They are located wherever friction may develop
• between tendons and bones.

Question 12

Joint Capsule

Answer 12

• A strong and fibrous tissue envelope
  surrounding the joint.
• The capsule blends with the periosteum of the bones.
• The capsule adds stability to a joint and are reinforced by ligaments.

Question 13

Articular Discs

Answer 13

• Lie between the joint surfaces and are
  attached to the capsule at the outer edge of the joint.
• Their function is to absorb shock, maintain joint stability and protect the bone surfaces.

Question 14

Synovial Membrane

Answer 14

• Thin membrane that lines the inside of the capsule but does not cover the hyaline cartilage.
• Its role is to produce synovial fluid.

Question 15

Articular cartilage

Answer 15

Covers the joint surfaces of the bones

• Forms a smooth, white, shiny mass on the surface that looks like marble.
• Protects the bone tissue and helps to reduce friction between the bones.

Question 16

Fat Pads

Answer 16

• Fill the crevices in and around the joints
• Form protective cushions for vital joint structures.

Question 17

Synovial Fluid

Answer 17

● A yellowish, oily fluid that lubricates the articulating surfaces

● forms a fluid cushion between surfaces

● provides nutrients for the articular cartilage

● absorbs debris produced by friction between joint surfaces

Question 18

Joint Mobility

Answer 18

The range of motion (ROM) through which the bones can be moved.
ROM is measured in degrees

Question 19

Joint Stability

Answer 19

The ability to maintain or control joint movement

Question 20

Factors Affecting Mobility and Stability of a joint

Answer 20

1. Structure/shape of the joint/bones
2. Tension exerted by ligaments
3. Muscle tension
4. Disease (Arthritis)
5. Age
6. Injury

Question 21

Effects of Arthritis

Answer 21

• Joint inflammation
• Worn cartilage
• Spur growth

Question 22

Effect of Age

Answer 22

• Soft tissue loses elasticity with age
• Reduction in synovial fluid
• Thickening of synovial capsule