Trunk and spine structure and movement

Question 1

5 regions of the spine and how many vertebrae

Answer 1

Cervical spine - 7 vertebrae
Thoracic - 12 vertebrae
Lumbar - 5 vertebrae
Sacral - 5 fused vertebrae
Coccygeal - 4 fused vertebrae

Question 2

What does normal curvature of the cervical spine (neck) look like

Answer 2

Lordotic in shape - Convex anterior and concave posterior (lordotic = inward curvature of the spine)

Question 3

What does normal curvature of the thoracic spine (chest) look like

Answer 3

Kyphotic in shape - Concave anterior and convex posterior (kyphotic - the outward curvature of the spine)

Question 4

What does normal curvature of the lumbar spine (low back) look like

Answer 4

Lordotic in shape - Convex anterior and concave posterior (lordotic = inward curvature of the spine)

Question 5

What is lordosis

Answer 5

Swayback
Abnormally increased posterior concavity
Most common in the lumbar and cervical spines

Question 6

What is kyphosis

Answer 6

Hunchback, rounded shoulders
Abnormally increased posterior convexity
Can occur in all regions

Question 7

What is scoliosis

Answer 7

Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine
Most often affects thoracic spine

Question 8

Function of the pedicles

Answer 8

Connect the vetebral body to the transverse processes and form the lateral sides of the vertebral foramen

Question 9

Function of the lamina

Answer 9

Connect the transverse processes to the spinous processes and forms the posterior aspect of the vertebral foramen

Question 10

Structure of intervertebral discs

Answer 10

Fibrocartilaginous cylinders that lie between adjacent vertebrae
Annulus fibrosus - the outer rim which is made up of concentric rings of dense fibrocartilage
Nucleus pulposus - the central gelatinous structure

Question 11

Function of the intervertebral disc

Answer 11

Movement - permits flexibility of the spine (During flexion, the nucleus pulposus migrates posteriorly and is
restrained by tension in the annulus fibrosus)
Shock absorption

Question 12

Injury to the intervertebral disc (bulging or herniated disc)

Answer 12

If the annulus fibrosus becomes weakened, the migrating nucleus pulposus
can cause bulging of the intervertebral disc that results in the spinal nerve
root in the segment being compressed against the lamina. This can cause
pain and/or changes in sensation or motor function in the distribution of the
nerve

Question 13

Structure of c1/atlas bone

Answer 13

Doesnt have a body or spinous process
Large superior articular facets

Question 14

Structure of c2/axis

Answer 14

Large superior articular facets
Large superior projection on the body called the odontoid process

Question 15

Structure of c7

Answer 15

has long prominent spinous process that is easily palpated

Question 16

Unique features of the structures of the vertebrae

Answer 16

No intervertebral disc between c1 and c2
Transverse foramen in all vertebrae
C2-C6/7 have split (bifid) spinous processes

Question 17

What is special about the spinous processes in the thoracic vertebrae

Answer 17

They are longer and more vertically oriented than those in the cervical and lumbar regions

Question 18

What is special about the vertebral bodies and spinous processes in the lumbar spine

Answer 18

They have the largest vertebral bodies
The spinous processes are shorter, more horizontally orientated

Question 19

Atlantooccipital joint articulating bones anf movement

Answer 19

The articulation between the occipital condyles of the skull and the two
large superior articular facets (fossae) on the superior aspect of the
transverse processes of C1
Permits head nodding and very limited lateral flexion

Question 20

Atlantoaxial joint articulating bones anf movement

Answer 20

The atlas (C1) sits on the superior articular surface of C2 and around the
dens to form the atlantooccipital joint
* Permits transverse plane rotation of the head (looking left and right)

Question 21

Facet (zygapophyseal or apophyseal) joint articulation and movement

Answer 21

The articulation between the superior and inferior articular facets of
adjacent vertebrae
* The inferior articular facets of a superior vertebra articulate with the
superior articular facets of an inferior vertebra
Motion at the facet joints is primarily gliding

Question 22

Intervertebral joint movement

Answer 22

During flexion, the nucleus pulposus migrates posteriorly allowing the
anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies to become closer
* During extension, the nucleus pulposus migrates anteriorly allowing the
posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies to become closer

Question 23

Function of anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 23

Prevents excessive extension (hyperextension) of the vertebral column

Question 24

Function of posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 24

Prevents excessive flexion (hyperflexion) of the vertebral column

Question 25

Function of Ligamentum nuchae (Nuchal
ligament)

Answer 25

Limits excessive cervical spine flexion (hyperflexion)

Question 26

Function of Ligamentum flavum

Answer 26

Limits excessive flexion (hyperflexion)

Question 27

Function of Interspinous & Supraspinous ligaments

Answer 27

Limit excessive flexion

Question 28

Function of Intertransverse ligaments

Answer 28

Limit excessive lateral flexion