thoracic spine ligaments

Question 1

Posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 1

along vertebrae column, covering vertebral bodies and IV disc
prevents hyperflexion (bending forwards)
weaker than anterior longitudinal ligament

Question 2

ligamentum flavum

Answer 2

connects between lamina of adjacent vertebrae

Question 3

interspinous ligament

Answer 3

between spinous process of of adjacent vertebrae

Question 4

supraspinous ligament

Answer 4

connects between tips of spinous process of adjacent vertebrae

Question 5

how many ligaments are present rhoughout the vertebral column? name them

Answer 5

1. anterior longitudinal ligament
2. posterior longitudinal ligament (vertebrae body + IV disc)
3. interspinous ligament (adjacent spinous process)
4. supraspinous ligament (tips of spinous process)
5. ligamentum flavum (between laminae)

Question 6

anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 6

runs along the length of the vertebral column, covering vertebral bodies and IC discs
prevents hyperextension
thicker than posterior longitudinal ligament

Question 7

How many thoracic spine ligaments are there? name them

Answer 7

1. radiate ligament of the head of rib
2. costotransverse ligament
3. lateral costotransverse ligament
4. superior costotransverse ligament

Question 8

radiate ligament of the head of rib

Answer 8

originates from the head of rib, fanning out to the vertebrae bodies and the IV disc inbetween

Question 9

costotransverse ligament

Answer 9

connects neck of rib to transverse process of vertabrae

Question 10

lateral costotransverse ligament

Answer 10

connects transverse process to tubercle of rib (further than neck - costotransverse ligament)

Question 11

superior costotransverse ligament

Answer 11

upper border of the neck of rib to the transverse process superior (above) to it

Question 12

thoracic kyphosis

Answer 12

excessive curvature of the thoracic spine ‘hunch back’
from poor posture, fusing of vertebrae during development

scheuermann’s kyphosis - early age

Question 13

osteoporosis

Answer 13

loss of bone mass, less able to support weight of body, can lead to kyphosis