Week 9: Musculoskeletal Care - Back and lower limb Flashcards
How many vertebrae can be found in the cervical region?
7
How many vertebrae can be found in the thoracic region?
12
How many vertebrae can be found in the lumbar region?
5
The lumbar vertebrae articulate inferiorly with what bony
structure?
The sacrum which is the posterior aspect of the pelvis.
Think about how the ribs connect the vertebrae to the sternum anteriorly. In what direction do the ribs proceed from a posterior to anterior direction?
Superior to inferior (at a diagonal).
Identify the 5th rib. Where does this rib insert upon anteriorly?
Body of the sternum.
What vertebrae does it articulate with posteriorly (Hint: It
articulates with two!)?
T4 and T5
At the junction of the lamina and the pedicles, what structures project superior and inferior?
Articular processes of the spine
Spinous processes: Posterior and inferior projection of bone, a site of attachment for muscles and ligaments.
3 anatomical features of the coccyx
The coccyx is a small bone, which articulates with the apex of the sacrum. It is recognised by its lack of vertebral arches. Due to the lack of vertebral arches, there is no vertebral canal, and so the coccyx does not transmit the spinal cord
3 anatomical features of the sacrum
The sacrum is a collection of five fused vertebrae. It is described as an upside down triangle, with the apex pointing inferiorly. On the lateral walls of the sacrum are facets, for articulation with the pelvis at the sacro-iliac joints.
3 anatomical features of the sacrum
The sacrum is a collection of five fused vertebrae. It is described as an upside down triangle, with the apex pointing inferiorly. On the lateral walls of the sacrum are facets, for articulation with the pelvis at the sacro-iliac joints.
Why is the 5th rib an important landmark for performing a
thoracostomy?
A Thoracostomy is a small incision into the thorax, usually to drain fluids associated with a pneumothorax. This is an important landmark and in full expiration the diaphragm can reach all the way up to the 5th rib, so going
below this space risks inserting the needle into the abdomen or the diaphragm.
In addition to touching the vertebral bodies posteriorly, each rib proceeds transversely to articulate upon what bony structure of the vertebrae (before swooping anteriorly)?
Transverse process of vertebra
Take note that on the underside of each rib body there is a costal groove. Find this groove. What normally is found in this groove? Where is the general destination of these structures?
Intercostal vein, artery, and nerve
Intercostal muscles, muscles of the thoracic wall, sensory to the abdominal wall via lateral and anterior cutaneous branches
Describe four features of the lumbar vertebrae that make them unique?
Largest bodies.
Thick spinous processes.
No foramina or costal facets on transverse processes.
Vertebral foramina are small and triangular.
Is the lumbar curvature primary or secondary?
How is it formed?
Secondary – formed from walking upright.
There is a bridge of bone that connects the superior and inferior articulating facets of the vertebrae. What is this bridge of bone called?
Pars interarticularis.
If the Scotty dog’s neck gets fractured (through the lamina of each side of the vertebra), which then can cause the vertebral column to slip due
to the forces put on the lumbar spine. What is this fracture with slippage called?
Spondylolisthesis.
An exaggerated thoracic curvature is called..
kyphosis
An exaggerated lumbar curvature is called..
Lordosis
What are the distinguishing characteristics that allow you to tell a female from a male pelvis (List THREE distinguishing features of each)?
Female:
- circular pelvic inlet
- pubic arch angle wider (approx 80 Deg)
- less distinct sacral promontory
- broader alae
Male:
- heart shaped pelvic inlet
- pubic arch angle smaller (50-60 deg)
- ischial spines project more medially into pelvic cavity
What are the distinguishing characteristics that allow you to tell a female from a male pelvis (List THREE distinguishing features of each)?
Female:
- circular pelvic inlet
- pubic arch angle wider (approx 80 Deg)
- less distinct sacral promontory
- broader alae
Male:
- heart shaped pelvic inlet
- pubic arch angle smaller (50-60 deg)
- ischial spines project more medially into pelvic cavity
Where is the Ischial spine of the pelvis?
On the posterior aspect of the ischium there is an indentation known as the greater sciatic notch, with the ischial spine at its most inferior edge.
Anatomically, the perineal body lies just deep to the skin. It functions as a point of attachment for muscle fibres from the pelvic floor and the perineum itself.
List 5 structures that attach to the perineal body.
Levator ani (part of the pelvic floor).
Bulbospongiosus muscle.
Superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles.
External anal sphincter muscle.
External urethral sphincter muscle fibres.