Vertebral Column and Back Muscles Flashcards
list 5 categories of vertebrae w/ number of segments
cervical-7 thoracic- 12 lumbar-5 sacral-5 coccygeal-4
distinguishing feature of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar
c= transverse foramen for vertebral artery
t= costal articulations
l= large for weight bearing
primary and secondary curves
primary= thoracic and sacral
(same direction in fetal column)
secondary= cervical and lumbar
(compensate for fetal curve)
kyphosis vs lordosis vs scoliosis
kyphosis- excess thoracic curve
lordosis- excess lumbar curve
scoliosis- abnormal lateral curve
bony strut b/w superior and inferior articular processes
pars intra articularis- common site of fracture in spinal injury
facet joints
aka zygapophysial joints- synovial joints b/w superior and inferior articular processes
very little gliding motion individually, significant amount collectively (lots in total)
IV discs
designed for adherence and strength, not synovial
tightly adhere to surface of vertebral bodies
2 components of IV discs
outer annulus fibrosis- very strong and adherent
inner nucleus pulposus- gelatinous central mass w/ high water content, acts as shock absorber
in b/w facet joints and IV discs (potential patho?)
intervertebral foramina- openings for spinal nerves
if disc compresses/degenerates or facet joint is arthritic, foramen shrinks and compresses spinal nerve
contrast orientation of articular processes in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar
c= 45 degrees of horizontal plane
t= frontal plane
l= sagittal plan
why different orientation of facet joints?
determines motion of segments of spine-
c= multiaxial motion
t=rotation
l=flexion/extension
main regions for motion in spine
cervical and lumbar- more susceptible to injiury esp cervical (most motion)
significance of cervicothoraci and thoracolumbar junction
flexible to rigid transition and rigid to flexible, respectively
common sites for fractures
articulation of atlas and axis
dens of axis articulates w/ anterior arch facet of atlas
atlanto occipital joint
synovial joint b/w C1 and atlas, allows for nodding yes
fractures of C1 called jefferson fracture, often multiple spots of fracture
atlantoaxial joints
3 b/w atlas and axis
median b/w dens and anterior arch of C1
2 lateral are synovial b/w articular facets
allow for shaking head no
hangmans fracture
fracture of axis- usually dens or odontoid process which can displace and injure spinal cord
how many spinal nerves
31 total- 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 1 coccygeal
ventral root conveys
somatic motor efferent
dorsal root conveys
somatic sensory afferent
cell body location in motor vs sensory somatic
motor- ventral horn of gray matter
sensory- dorsal root ganglion
dorsal rami fn
innervate skin of back and intrinsic (true) back muscles
anterior longitudinal ligament
anterior surfaces of vertebral bodies- prevents hyperextension
posterior longitudinal ligament
posterior surface of bodies, located inside vertebral canal near spinal cord
