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Block 2 Anatomy > Vertebral column and back > Flashcards

Vertebral column and back Flashcards

1
Q

During surgery, which procedure is used to access the vertebral canal?

A

Laminectomy

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2
Q

The atlas (C1) permits movement of the cranium via synovial joints which attach to what?

A

Occipital condyles on the base of the skull

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3
Q

Where is the transverse process of C1 (atlas) palpable?

A

Via the lateral neck just deep to the sternocleidomastoid and medial to the lobule of the auricle (ear)

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4
Q

Which bony landmark of C2 can be seen on an axial CT of C1?

A

Dens

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5
Q

Describe what a Jefferson fracture is.

A

A fracture of C1 usually involving both anterior and posterior arches – classical presentation is bilateral fractures of both the anterior and posterior arches, producing four fractures in all

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6
Q

What kind of injury causes a Jefferson fracture? Give an example.

A

Axial-loading injury, such as diving into a swimming pool and hitting your head on the bottom

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7
Q

Is there usually neurological deficit associated with Jefferson fractures? Explain why

A

No – the spinal canal at the level of the fracture is usually wide enough to accommodate any swelling of the cord

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8
Q

What is another name for the dens?

A

Odontoid process

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9
Q

A fracture of the dens can affect which spinal nerves?

A

C3,4,5

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10
Q

A dens fracture can occur due to what kind of movement of the neck?

A

Rapid flexion-extension of the neck

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11
Q

What is a Hangman’s fracture? It is a risk of which type of injury?

A

Fracture of the posterior elements of C2

Whiplash

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12
Q

Which hole is a unique feature of the cervical vertebrae?

A

Foramen transversarium

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13
Q

What 3 things pass through the foramen transversarium?

A

Vertebral artery

Vertebral vein

Sympathetic nerves

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14
Q

What procedure can the sacral hiatus be used for?

A

Sacral epidural

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15
Q

C7 can be used to landmark which structure?

A

Lung apex

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16
Q

Which component of the centre of IV discs attracts water and helps maintain a rubbery consistency that resists compression?

A

Glycosaminoglycans

17
Q

Describe the 2 layers of IV discs and what each layer contains.

A

Nucleus pulposus – glycosaminoglycans

Anulus fibrosus – collagen and fibrocartilage

18
Q

What kind of joints are located between articular facets of adjacent vertebrae?

A

Zygapophyseal joints

19
Q

In which area does the supraspinous ligament increase in size and what is it renamed to?

A

Cervical region – ligamentum nuchae

20
Q

In which direction do most IV disc herniations occur and why?

A

Posterolateral direction because the posterior longitudinal ligament is narrower and weaker compared to the anterior longitudinal ligament

21
Q

List 3 functions of the curvatures of the vertebral column.

A

Shock absorption

Balance and upright posture

Flexibility and mobility

22
Q

Which type of curvature is present at birth and which type develops after birth?

A

Kyphosis is present at birth and lordosis develops after birth

23
Q

Which regions of the vertebral column have kyphosis?

A

Thoracic and sacral

24
Q

Which regions of the vertebral column have lordosis?

A

Cervical and lumbar

25
Q

At what age does lordosis of the cervical region occur and why?

A

6 months of age – forms when the infant begins to lift their head

26
Q

Why does lordosis of the lumbar region occur in early years of life?

A

Forms when the child begins to stand and walk

27
Q

What causes loss of curvatures of the vertebral column as we age?

A

Disc degeneration

28
Q

What is a wedge compression injury?

A

Collapse of the anterior portion of a vertebral body, leading to a wedge-shaped deformity

29
Q

What is spondylolysis?

A

Fracture in the region of the articular facets without displacement

30
Q

What feature on a scan would indicate spondylolysis?

A

Collar or break on the neck of the “scotty dog”

31
Q

What can spondylolysis progress into?

A

Spondylolisthesis – vertebra slips forward on the one below it

32
Q

Spondylolysis most commonly occurs in which vertebra?

A

L5

33
Q

The superficial muscles of the back are innervated by what?

A

Brachial plexus or CN XI

34
Q

The deep muscles of the back are innervated by what?

A

Dorsal rami of spinal nerves

35
Q

Which muscle keeps the head upright?

A

Splenius capitis

36
Q

What is the innervation of erector spinae?

A

Dorsal rami of the spinal nerves from C1 to S5

37
Q

Entrapment of which nerves in the sub-occipital triangle can cause posterior headache or occipital neuralgia?

A

C2 + C3

38
Q

Which muscle connects hip flexion and the vertebral column, therefore meaning that hip flexion can exacerbate mechanical back pain?

A

Psoas major

Block 2 Anatomy (8 decks)

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