Week 7 content: the vertebral column and muscles

Question 1

Describe the normal curvatures of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions of the vertebral column

Question 2

What are some commonly seen abnormal curvatures of the spine

Question 3

Identify and draw the main components of a typical vertebra

Question 4

Describe the structure and function of an intervertebral disc

Question 4

How do typical cervical vertebrae differ from typical thoracic vertebrae

Question 5

List the main distinguishing characteristics of typical cervical and thoracic vertebrae

Question 5

Describe the location and structure of the sacrum and coccyx

Question 6

Identify the main ligaments of the vertebral column and their locations

Question 6

Classify the joints located between the skull and atlas, and between the atlas and axis, and describe the movements allowed at these joints

Question 7

What are the main movements of the vertebral column, and in which regions are these movements most prominent

Question 8

Note the location of the transverse and alar ligaments in the atlantoaxial region

Question 8

Describe some common variants affecting the vertebral column

Question 9

Describe some common pathologies affecting the vertebral column

Question 10

What are the key features of the spinal cord

Question 11

Describe the primary and secondary curvatures of the spine and how they develop

Question 11

How many vertebrae are typically found in each region of the vertebral column (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal

Question 11

Explain the functions of the vertebral column

Question 12

Define kyphosis and lordosis, and identify where these curvatures are normally found

Question 12

Explain the types of movements that occur in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions of the spine

Question 12

What is scoliosis, and which regions of the spine does it typically affect

Question 12

What factors can lead to an increase in spinal curvature

Question 12

What is the vertebral foramen and how is the vertebral canal formed

Question 13

What is the significance of the hole in the transverse process of cervical vertebrae?

Question 13

What role do the zygapophyseal (facet) joints play in the movement of the vertebral column

Question 13

What are vertebral notches and how do they contribute to the formation of the intervertebral foramina

Question 13

Describe the components of a vertebral arch

Question 13

Describe the joint areas on thoracic vertebrae that articulate with the ribs

Question 13

What are the characteristics of cervical vertebrae that allow for the greatest range of motion?

Question 13

Describe the unique features of C1 (Atlas) and its articulation with the skull. What movement does this joint allow?

Question 13

Describe the structure of an intervertebral disc, including the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus

Question 13

What are some distinguishing features of lumbar vertebrae that allow them to withstand body weight?

Question 13

Describe the unique features of C2 (Axis), including the odontoid process (dens), and its articulation with the Atlas. What movement does this joint allow?

Question 13

How do the facets of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae differ

Question 13

How can abnormalities of the intervertebral disc lead to pain

Question 13

Explain the functions of the intervertebral disc

Question 14

Describe the costovertebral and costotransverse joints

Question 14

What are uncinate processes and where are they found?

Question 14

Why are injuries to the cervical vertebrae common, and what types of injuries can occur?

Question 14

What is the function of the transverse ligament in the atlantoaxial joint?

Question 15

Describe the characteristic features of thoracic vertebrae, including their spinous processes and articular surfaces for ribs.

Question 16

How do atypical thoracic vertebrae differ from typical thoracic vertebrae?

Question 17

Describe the characteristic features of lumbar vertebrae, including their bodies, vertebral foramen, and processes.

Question 17

Explain why the articular facets of lumbar vertebrae limit movement.

Question 18

Describe the structure of the sacrum and coccyx and the foramina present.

Question 18

What is the sacral hiatus and what is its clinical significance?

Question 19

How many pairs of spinal nerves are there, and how are they distributed regionally?

Question 19

How is the spinal cord organized into regions, and how does this relate to the vertebral column?

Question 20

At what vertebral level does the spinal cord typically end? What is the cauda equina?

Question 21

Explain how the sacrum articulates with the pelvis.

Question 22

Describe the pathology of osteoporosis as it affects the vertebral column.

Question 23

How do disc injuries occur and what are their potential consequences?

Question 24

What is idiopathic scoliosis?

Question 25

Describe spondylolisthesis.

Question 26

What is spinal bifida?

Question 27

List some spinal variations that can occur in the population.

Question 27

Identify the superficial muscles that overlie the intrinsic back muscles.

Question 28

Describe the thoracodorsal fascia and its two main functions.

Question 29

What are the main functions provided by the erector spinae and the smaller deep intrinsic posterior spinal muscles?

Question 30

Describe the layering of the intrinsic back muscles.

Question 30

Identify and name the three columns of erector spinae muscles

Answer 30

1. spinalis 2. longissimus 3. iliocostalis

Question 31

Where is the splenius muscle located?

Question 32

Give an example of two muscles lying within each of the two deeper layers of the intrinsic back muscles.

Answer 32

interspinales intertransversales

Question 33

Identify the location of the vertebral arteries in the suboccipital triangle.

Answer 33

location: posterior neck

Question 34

Name the muscles that border the suboccipital triangle.

Answer 34

rectus capitis major and minor obliquus capitis inferior and superior

Question 35

Where do the deep intrinsic back muscles originate and insert?

Answer 35

O & I along the vertabral column

Question 35

What is proprioception, and why is it important in the back muscles?

Answer 35

- important for balance

Question 36

Where does the thoracolumbar fascia attach?

Answer 36

- from the spinous process of T12 to the sacrum - attaches to the vertebral column - allows dynamic stability

Question 36

Why are the intrinsic spinal muscles active when standing?

Answer 36

centre of gravity is anterior to the vertebral column

Question 36

What is the nerve innervation of the intrinsic spinal muscles?

Answer 36

posterior rami

Question 37

Describe the erector spinae muscles as a group and their primary action.

Answer 37

Superficial back muscles action: back extension

Question 38

Name the three muscles of the erector spinae.

Answer 38

1. spinalis 2. longissimus 3. iliocostalis

Question 39

Describe the location and parts of the splenius muscle.

Answer 39

Locations: spinalis = most medial to the spine longissimus = in between spinalis and iliocostalis iliocostalis = most lateral

Question 40

Explain the actions of back muscles during bilateral and unilateral contraction.

Answer 40

Bilateral = extension unilateral = lateral flexion

Question 41

Name the three muscle groups that are deep to the erector spinae and their general location.

Answer 41

1. Multifidus 2. Rotatores 3. Semispinalis

Question 42

Describe the multifidus muscle: its location, origin, insertion, and functions.

Answer 42

Location: - mainly in lumbar region, also throughout the spine Description: - short O = posterior sacrum and articular facets (lumbar vertebrae) I = spinous process of above vertebrae 2-4 segments above

Question 43

Describe the rotatores muscles: their location and primary function.

Answer 43

Location: - thoracic region Description: - short - deep O = vertebral transverse processes I = lamina and spinous processes of the vertebrae above

Question 44

Describe the semispinalis muscles: their location.

Answer 44

Location: - throughout the thoracic and cervical region, lead to the cranium Description: - thick - medial - interlace with splenius fibers at cranium O = transverse processes of C4 – T10 I = fibres ascend 4 – 6 vertebral segments, attaching to the spinous processes of C2 – T4 and to the occipital bone

Question 45

Describe the location and function of the interspinales and intertransversales muscles

Answer 45

- connect each spinous and transverse processes to each vertebra along the spine - important for proprioception and static stability Location: interspinales - upper cervical region intertransverse - lower sacrum/lumber region

Question 46

Describe the deep suboccipital muscles.

Answer 46

- specialised for extension, flexion and rotation - overlap throughout cervical spine

Question 47

What is the role of the cervical spinal muscles in head movement?

Answer 47

1. eccentric contraction (flexion and extension) 2. head and neck support

Question 48

List the muscles that form the suboccipital triangle.

Answer 48

1. rectus capitis major and minor 2. obliquus capitis inferior and superior

Question 49

What important structures are contained within the suboccipital triangle?

Answer 49

- vertebral arteries - occipital nerves