Anatomy - Torso

Question 1

Abdominal muscles (Abs) (4)

Answer 1

• rectus abdominis
• external obliques
• internal obliques
• transverse abdominis (TA)

Question 2

Rectus abdominis
(what & function)

Answer 2

‘6 pack’ muscle

function:
- lumbar flexion
- posterior pelvic tilt
- weak lateral flexion

Question 3

External obliques
(what & function)

Answer 3

largest & most superficial of the lateral abs

function:
- twisting
- lumbar flexion
- posterior pelvis tilt

Question 4

Internal obliques
(what & function)

Answer 4

in the deeper layer of abs

function:
- to provide spine stability
- flexes and rotates the trunk

Question 5

Transverse abdominis (TA) (what & funtion)

Answer 5

deepest stability and structure abs (Uddiyana Bandha)

function:

• draw abdominal wall inward (front of the hip bones towards each other)
• support organs forced exhalation

Question 6

Diaphragm

what & function

Answer 6

breathing muscle

function:

• key structural player in spinal stability
• part of creating Uddiyana Bandha; abdominal lock

Question 7

Movement of the Diaphragm at breathing

Answer 7

• Inhalation: rip cage expands, diaphragm contracts = moves down
• Exhalation: rip cage gets smaller, diaphragm relaxes = moves up

Question 8

Superficial back muscles (4)

Answer 8

• erector spinae
• latissimus dorsi (lats)
• rhomboids
• trapezius

= powerful, movement oriented muscles

Question 9

Deep back muscles (3)

Answer 9

• Quadratus Lumborum (QL)
• Multifidus
• Psoas

= more stability oriented muscles

Question 10

Neck muscles (3)

Answer 10

• Sternocleidomstoid (SCM)
• Scalenes
• Levator Scapulae

Question 11

Erector Spinae

Answer 11

• holds us upright
• extends on each side of spinal column from pelvic region to cranium - divided into 3: spinalis, longissimus & iliocostalis
• has attachments in lumbar, thoracic & cervical regions
• function: extension, rotation &/or lateral flexion

Question 12

Latissimus dorsi (lats)

Answer 12

• connects the upper extremity to the vertebrael column, co-ordinates upper limb & torso/pelvis
• function: adducts, extends and internally rotates the arm, powerful rotator of the trunk

Question 13

Quadratus Lumborum (QL)

Answer 13

• important lateral (side) support for lower back
• function: lateral flexion & extension
• attaches to iliac crest, lower ribs and lumbar transverse processes: creates a powerful meshing

Question 14

Multifidus

Answer 14

• very thin muscle, deep in the spine
• stabilises the spinal joints at each segmental level
• stability makes each vertebrae work more effectively, reduces degeneration
• function: extension, lateral flexion, rotation

Question 15

Psoas

Answer 15

• lumbar stabilizer, spans from T12-L5
• connects lumbar vertebrae to femur
• function: lumbar flexion & extension, anterior pelvic tilt

Question 16

Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)

Answer 16

• when one side contracts, the face is turned to opposite side
• when both muscles contract, head is bent towards the chest
• becomes tight due to fwd head carriage, many headache causes here

Question 17

Scalenes

Answer 17

• deep stabilising muscles of neck and head
• laterally flex the neck, tilt the head sideways
• refer nerve pain to the arm & tightness causes chronic headaches

Question 18

Levator Scapulae

Answer 18

• prone to stiffening and chronic pain due to bad posture: carrying heavy bags, lifting shoulders for a prolonged time