DSF Anatomy of Back

Question 1

Function of ligaments connecting adjacent vertebrae

Answer 1

Resist hyperflexion

Question 2

Lumbar puncture

Answer 2

Targets subarachnoid space to remove CSF
Pierces dura & arachnoid mater
Around L4

Question 3

Epidural anesthesia

Answer 3

Targets epidural space to apply anesthetic to nerve roots

Does not pierce dura & arachnoid mater

Question 4

Spinal meninges

Answer 4

Dura mater
Arachnoid mater
Pia mater

Question 5

Pia Mater

Answer 5

Denticulate ligaments: anchor spinal cord to superficial meningeal layers
Filium terminale: extension of Pia Mater that connects spinal cord to coccyx - provides tension to stabilize the spinal cord

Question 6

Meningeal spaces

Answer 6

Epidural space: located b/w periosteum lining vertebral canal and dura mater
Subarachnoid space: located b/w arachnoid mater and pia mater, contains CSF
*No naturally-occurring “subdural space”

Question 7

Intrinsic back muscles

Answer 7

Deep (Splenius, erector spinae, transversospinales)

*Only has attachments and/or function w/in vertebral column

Question 8

Extrinsic back muscles

Answer 8

Intermediate (respiratory) and Superficial (appendicular)

*At least 1 attachment outside the vertebral column and has appendicular respiratory function

Question 9

Splenius muscles

Answer 9

Deep (intrinsic)
Splenius Capitis
Splenius Cervicis

Question 10

Splenius Capitis

Answer 10

Deep (intrinsic)
Innervation: Posterior rami of cervical spinal nerves
Bilateral extension of head and neck; ipsilateral rotation of head
PA: ligamentum nuchae, spinous processes C7-T4
DA: mastoid process, skull

Question 11

Splenius Cervicis

Answer 11

Deep (intrinsic)
Innervation: Posterior rami of cervical spinal nerves
Bilateral extension of head and neck; ipsilateral rotation of head
PA: spinous processes of T3-T6
DA: transverse processes of C1-C3

Question 12

Erector Spinae muscles

Answer 12

Iliocostalis
Longissimus
Spinalis
Innervation: posterior rami of spinal nerves
Bilateral extension of trunk/spine; unilateral lateral flexion of trunk

Question 13

Deep back muscles

Answer 13

*Intrinsic
Splenius
Erector spinae
Transversospinales
*Function: extension/flexion, lateral flex/extend, rotation

Question 14

Conus Medullaris

Answer 14

Distal end of spinal cord
Adults: to L1-L2
Neonates: L3-L4

Question 15

Transversospinales

Answer 15

Deep (intrinsic) back muscles
Innervation: posterior rami of spinal nerves
Semispinalis: extension, contralateral rotation
Multifidus & Rotatores: stabilization, local movements

Question 16

Intermediate muscles: Serratus Posterior

Answer 16

Innervation: intercostal nerves (anterior rami of spinal nerves)
Superior: elevates superior ribs during inspiration
Inferior: depresses inferior ribs during expiration

Question 17

Superfical (Appendicular Muscles)

Answer 17

Trapezius
Latissimus Dorsi
Levator Scapulae
Rhomboid Major + Minor
*All innervated by branches of the brachial plexus (anterior rami of C5-T1), except for the trapezius, which is innervated by the 11th CN

Question 18

Trapezius

Answer 18

Superficial (Appendicular)
Innervation: accessory CN XI
Upper fibers: elevate & upwardly rotate scapula
Middle fibers: retract scapula
Lower fibers: depress & upwardly rotate scapula

Question 19

Latissimus Dorsi

Answer 19

Superficial (Appendicular)
Innervation: Thoracodorsal n. (anterior rami of C6-C8)
Flexion, adduction, medial rotation of arm; pull body upward when climbing

Question 20

Levator Scapulae and Rhomboids

Answer 20

Superficial (Appendicular)
Innervation: Dorsal Scapular n. (anterior ramus of C5)
Downward rotation of scapula
Levator: elevate scapula
Rhomboids: retract scapula

Question 21

What back muscles are innervated by posterior rami?

Answer 21

Deep (intrinsic)
Splenius
Erector spinae
Transversospinales

Question 22

What back muscles are innervated by anterior rami?

Answer 22

Intermediate (Serratus posterior)
Superficial (Trapezius, Latissimus Dorsi, Levator Scapulae, Major and Minor Rhomboids)
(Extrinsic)