Functional Anatomy of the Spine Flashcards

1
Q

functions of the vertebral column

A

support

posture

protection

locomotion

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2
Q

components of the vertebral column

A

vertebrae plus intervertebral discs - 75% vertebrae, 25% discs

separate elements for flexibility/mobility/shock absorption

ligaments and muscles

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3
Q

What are the divisions of the vertebral column?

A

cervical 7 - all mammals have these

thoracic 12 - defined by the ribs

lumbar 5

sacral 5

coccygeal 4

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4
Q

Why is there a curvature in the vertebral column?

A

acts as a spring, the “S” shape gives a lot more shock absorption

kyphosis - convex posteriorly

lordosis - convex anteriorly

scoliosis - lateral curvature

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5
Q

lordosis vs. kyphosis

A

lordosis - when curvature is in the front (primary - thoracic and sacral)

kyphosis - when curvature is in the back (secondary - cervical and lumbar)

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6
Q

What is the common finding in Scheuermann’s disease?

A

abnormal kyphosis - common in adolescents

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7
Q

What are the common causes in abnormal lordosis?

A

obesity

pregnancy

achondroplasia

spondylolysthesis

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8
Q

What are the different parts of a vertebral segment? What are their functions?

A

body or centrum - weight support, intervertebral discs are placed between the bodies

vertebral arch - pedicle, lamina, vertebral foramen for spinal cord

transverse process, spinous porcess - attachment of muscles

superior and inferior articular facets - articulation with vertebrae above and below, shape and oridentation determines kinds of movements allowed

intervertebral foramen - for passage of spinal nerves

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9
Q

What are the parts of the vertebral arch?

A

lamina

pedicle

spinous process

articular process

transverse process

vertebral foramen

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10
Q

What are the defining features of the cervical vertebra?

A

has a transverse foramen

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11
Q

What are the defining features of the thoracic vertebra?

A

rib articular facets

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12
Q

What are the defining features of the lumbar vertebra?

A

large bodies

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13
Q

What is the role of ligaments in the spine?

A

prevents excessive/unwanted movement between the vertebrae in order to protect joints and nerves

instability of the vertebral column can compress and damage the spinal ord or spinal nerves leading to pain, paresthesia, muscle weakness, or paralysis

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14
Q

What are the ligaments in the spine and what are their functions?

A

anterior lingitudinal - prevents hyperextension (whiplash)

posterior longitudinal - prevents hyperflexion

ligamentum flavum - between laminae

suprspinous - along spines, ligmentum nuchae

interspinous - unites two adjacent spines

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15
Q

How does the three column model of Dennis reflect the stability of the vertebral column?

A

spinal stability is dependent on at least two intact columns

whent two of the three columns are distrupted, abnormal segmental motion is allowed

this leads to instability, and the spinal nerves and spinal cord are at risk of injury as a result

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16
Q

What feature of the spinal chord is a common cause of pain?

A

facet joints are common sites of pain

osteophytes here are implicated

17
Q

What determines the range of motion in a particular segment of the vertebral column?

A

compressibility and elasticity of the discs

shape and orientation of the articular facets

condition of back muscles and ligaments

rib attachment

18
Q

Describe the mobility of the cervical, thoracic, and lumber regions of the spine.

A

cervica is the most mobile - all movements allowed

thoracic region - flexion-extension is restricted by the ribs

lumber - very little rotation due to the mediolaterally facing articular facets

19
Q

spondylolisthesis

A

anterior or posterior displacement (slippage) of one vertebrae relative to another

the spinal cord and nerves can be compromised

20
Q

spondylolysis

A

a defect (separation) in the vertebral pars interarticularis, usually in the lower lumbar vertebrae, particularly L5

see the “Scotty dog” sign in x-rays

21
Q

sciatica

A

radiating pain in the L4-S2 dermatones

22
Q

What is the role of the intervertebral disc?

A

acts as a shock absorber and mediates movement between vertebral bodies

23
Q

What makes up the intervertebral disc?

A

fibrocartilage annulus

fibrogelatinous nucleus pulposus which is a remnant of the embryonic notochord

24
Q

extrensic vs. intrinsic muscles of the back

A

extrinsic - develop from hypomere, anterior (ventral) rami innervation, attache to limbs (except serratus posterior), and function is to move limbs

intrinsic - develop from epimere, posterior (dorsal) rami innervation, attach to vertebral column and ribs, function is to move vertebral column

25
Q

epaxial muscles

A

muscles that develop from the epimere

form intrinsic muscles of the vertebral column - mainly extensors and rotators

ex. splenius, erector spinae, transversospinalis

26
Q

hypaxial muscles

A

muscles that develop from the hypomere

extrnsic to the vertebral column

may not attach to parts of vertebrae but form body wall or limb muscles

ex. flexor muscles of the vertebral column, rects abdominis, intercostals, abdominal obliques, rhomboids, levator scapulae, latissimus dorsi

27
Q

function of the trapezius

A

rotates and retracts scapula

innervated by the cranial nerve XI

28
Q

function of the latissimus dorsi

A

extends and adducts the arm

29
Q

function of the levator scapulae

A

elevates the scapula

30
Q

function of the rhomboids

A

retract scapula

31
Q

What are the movements of the vertebral column?

A

extension - flexion

lateral bending

rotation

32
Q

What determines the range and types of motion of the vertebral column?

A

compressibility and elasticity of the discs

shape of articular facets

conditions of back muscles and ligaments

rib attachment

33
Q

What is the range of motion in each of the regions of the vertebral column?

A

cervical most mobile - all movements

thoracic region - flexibility is restricted by ribs

lumbar - very little rotation

34
Q

function of the splenius muscles (capitis and cervicis)

A

ipsilateral rotation

lateral bending

extension

35
Q

What are the functions of the erector spinae?

A

lateral bending

extension

36
Q

What are the different subcategories of the erector spinae?

A

spinalis

longissimus

iliocostalis

37
Q

What are the components of the transversospinalis and what is its function?

A

semispinalis, rotatores, and multifidus

function - contralateral rotation and extension