Thoracic/Lumbar Vertebral Mechanics Flashcards
Spinal curves
cervical lordosis (anterior curve) thoracic kyphosis (posterior curve) lumbar lordosis sacral kyphosis
Lateral view, junctions
craniocervical
cervicothoracic
thoracolumbar
lumbosacral
Lateral View, Gravitational Line
external auditory canal head of the humerus L3 Anterior 1/3 of sacrum Lateral malleolus
Throacic Vertebra
T1-T12
body: medium sized, heart shaped, costal facets present. Size increases as you move down the spine
spinous process: Long, slope posteroinferiorly
Lumbar vertebra
L1-L5
Body: large size, kidney shaped (rounder), size increases as you move down the spine
spinous process, short, broad
vertebral unit
two adjacent vertebrae and the associated intervertebral disc
Rule of 3’s
- refers to the location of the spinous process in relation to the transverse process in the thoracic spine
T1-3, T12
spinous process located at the level of the corresponding transverse process (level/even)
T4-6, T11
Spinous process located 1/2 segment below the corresponding transverse process (in between)
T7-9, T10
Spinous process located at the level of the transverse process from the vertebrae below (even with vertebrae below)
Superior facet orientation (Cervical)
backwards, upwards, medial
BUM
Superior facet orientation (thoracic)
backwards, upwards, lateral
BUL
superior facet orientation (lumbar)
Backwards, medial
BM
anterior longitudinal ligament
strong, broad fibrous band that covers and connects the anterolateral aspects of the vertebral bodies and IV discs. Limits extension
posterior longitudinal ligament
narrower, somewhat weaker band that runs within the vertebral canal along the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies. Resists hperflexion
- prevents posterior herniation of nucleus pulposus
