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Anatomy 1 > Anatomy of Spinal Column > Flashcards

Anatomy of Spinal Column Flashcards

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1
Q

Function of spinal column

A 
protect spinal cord and nerves
support weight of body
rigid/flexible axis for body
pivot for head
posture and locomotion
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2
Q

What is the spinal column composed of

A 
Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
Sacral
Coccygeal
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3
Q

How many cervical vertebrae

A

7

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4
Q

How many thoracic vertebrae

A

12

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5
Q

How many lumbar vertebrae

A

5

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6
Q

How many sacral vertebrae

A

5 (Fused)

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7
Q

How many coccygeal bones

A

4 (variable) fused

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8
Q

How many Vertebrae total in human

A

33

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9
Q

How do some anatomist describe the spinal column

A

26 separate bones (24 movable + sacrum +coccyx)

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10
Q

Why are spinal curves good

A

Better ability to withstand stress

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11
Q

What are the primary curvatures

A
  1. thoracic kyphosis
  2. sacral kyphosis
    Convex posterioly
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12
Q

What are the secondary curvatures

A
  1. cervical lordosis
  2. lumbar lordosis
    Convex anteriorly
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13
Q

When and why are secondary curves developed

A

Developed later in life due to our posture

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14
Q

Which come first, cervical or lumbar lordosis

A

Cervical

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15
Q

What are the features of a TYPICAL vertebrae

A
  1. body
  2. pedicles
  3. laminae
  4. vertebral/neural arch
  5. vertebral foramen (spinal canal)
  6. spinous process
  7. transverse process
  8. superior + inferior articular process
  9. superior + inferior vertebral notches
  10. intervertebral foramen (between 2 vertebrae)
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16
Q

What are the regional characteristics of a typical cervical vertebrae

A
  1. bifid spinous process
  2. presence of the transverse process foramina
  3. anterior + posterior tubercles on TP
  4. Large V. foramen
  5. uncinate process (uncus) (upper body)
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17
Q

Why do cervical vertebrae exhibit several different directions of movement?

A

articular processes and position of articular facets of cervical vertebra are closest to the transverse anatomical plane

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18
Q

What are the atypical cervical vetebrae

A

Atlas (C1)
Axix (C2)
vertebra prominens (C7)

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19
Q

What are the characteristics of C1

A

anterior arch
posterior arch
anterior and posterior tubercles on TP
lateral masses
superior articular surfaces (condyles) make joint with occipital bone
articular surface for dens on anterior arch
groove for vertebral artery

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20
Q

What are the characteristics of C2

A 
Dens axis (odontoid process)
two facets on dens axis: anterior- joint between dens and anterior arch of atlas
posterior: transverse ligament of axis
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21
Q

What makes C7 different

A

longest spinous process which is easily palpated on the posterior surface of neck

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22
Q

What group of THORACIC vertebrae are the most typical

A

T5-T8

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23
Q

What are the characteristics of a typical THORACIC vertebrae

A
  • large heart shaped Vertebral body
  • long/point spinous process
  • circular VF
  • TP easily palpable
  • facet joints are directed downward
  • Costal facets- two half facets on body (ribs) ; one whole facet on TP (ribs)
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24
Q

What movement is generally seen in thoracic vertebrae

A

rotation

some extension/flexion

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25
What at the ATYPICAL thoracic Vertebrae
T1, T10, T11, T12
26
What are the characteristics of T1
- body- one full facet for the 1st rib, two 1/2 facet for head of Rib2 - TP has full facet for Rib1
27
What are the characteristics of T10
- one 1/2 facet on superior margin of vertebral body | - TP may/maynot have the facet for Rib10
28
What are the characteristics of T11 & T12
- Each has full facet on body for ribs 11 + 12 - lack facets on TP - Spinous process- short and rectangular ( more lumbar)
29
What are the characteristics of a Lumbar vertebrae
- largest vertebral bodies (kidney shaped) - short - regtangular and horizonatlly oriented spinous process - two additional processes : mammillary and accessory - facet joints are directed medially and vertically - no costal facets
30
What are the position and orientation of facets on articular processes
approx the sagittal plane
31
What is the principle movement allowed by the sagittal plane?
flexion/extension some lateral flexion no rotation
32
Atypical LUMBAR verterbea
L5
33
What are the characteristics of L5
Wedge shaped body, which is thicker anteriorly than posteriorly
34
Why is the body of L5 wedge shaped
to accomodate the transition of lumbar spin to sacrum (which is nearly horizontal)
35
What are the characteristics of the PELVIC surface of sacrum
- transverse lines - sacral pelvic foramina - base of the sacrum - apex - ala
36
What are the characteristics of the DORSAL surface of the sacrum
- dorsal sacral foramina - medial, intermediat and lateral sacral crests - sacral canal as continuation of spinal canal - sacral hiatus - sacral conua - auricular surface - sacral tuberosity
37
What is in the sacral canal
spinal sacral nerves
38
What is the auricular surface of the sacrum for
sacro-iliac joint
39
what is the sacral tuberosity for?
attachment of ligaments that reingorce the sacro-iliac joint
40
What is the coccyx composed of?
4 coccygeal segments | coccygeal cornua
41
What are the two types of ossification centers?
primary and secondary
42
How many osssification centers are on the vertebrae
8
43
Where are the ossification centers located
Primary: on the body, on the pedicles secondary: Transverse process, spinous process, and the superior and inferior surface of the body
44
How would one write out LUMBARIZATION
7C + 12T + 5L + 1S + S(4) + Co
45
How would one write out SACRALIZATION
7C + 12T + 4L + L5 on S + S + Co
46
What is LUMBARIZATION
when an extra sacral bone is fused to lumbar instead of sacrum
47
How many intervertebral discs are there
23
48
What is an anterior intervertebral joint
joints between bodies of adjoining vertebrae
49
What is an intervertebral disc made of
nucleus pulposus | annylus fibrosus
50
What is a nucleus pulposus
gelatinous central core of disc, attracts water | highly elastic
51
What is a annulus fibrosus
an external ring of fibrous tissue
52
What sections of the spine dont have an intervertebral disc?
occipital bone-axis | atlas-axis
53
What are the functions of the intervertebral disc
resistance to compression | connection between vertebral bodies
54
What are the steps in an intervertebral disc herniation
protrusion prolaps extrusion (sequestration of extruded discs)
55
Describe the anterior longitudinal ligament
wider than posterior long. ligament attached to anterior surface of Vertebral body resists extensions of spinal column maintain joint stability
56
describe the posterior longitudina ligament
narrow, band-like within the spinal column attached to posterior surface of vertebral bodies prevent posterior protrusion of nucleus pulposis of disc resists flexion of spinal column
57
What are posterior intervertebral joints
joints between superior and inferior articular processes between adjoining vertebrae
58
What type of movement is allowed in the cervical spine
flexion/extension lateral flexion (side bending) rotation
59
What type of movement is allowed in the Thoracic spine
rotation | limited flexion/extension
60
What type of movement is allowed in the lumbar spine
flexion /extension | lateral flexion
61
What are the four ligaments of the posterior intervertebral joints
Ligamentum flavum Interspinous ligament Intertransversarii ligaments Supraspinous ligaments
62
What happens to the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments superior to C7?
Merge fibers, then follow nuchal ligament to occipital bone
63
What are the important characteristics of the occipital bone
``` basilar portion (squama) foramen magnum codyles of the occipital bone external occipital protuberance superior and inferior nuchal lines ```
64
Where is the atlanto-occipital joint? And what movement does it allow
between the occipital bone and atlas | permits flexion/extension
65
Where is the atlanto axial joint? and what movement does it allow
between the atlas and axis | allows rotation
66
What is the tectorial membrane
upward continuation of posterior longitudinal ligament, superior to C2
67
What is the Cruciate ligament
composed of two individual bands; Transverse ligament, attached to atlas, superior/inferior band attach to the margin of Foramen Magnum and to posterior surface of C2
68
what is the alar ligament
dens to lateral margin of foramen magnum
69
what is the apical ligaments
dens axis to foramen magnum
70
What are the tree groups if intrinsic muscle of the spinal cord
1. spinotransverse 2. sacrospinalis 3. transversospinalis
71
Where is the spinotransverse located
superficially
72
where is the sacrospinalis located
middle
73
where is the transversospinalis located
deep
74
Where do the fibers in the spinotransverse group run
fibers run from spinous process to the transverse process
75
What muscle(s) are in the spinotransverse group
Splenius capitis | Splenius cervicis
76
What is the O and I of Splenius capitis
O: Spinous process of C7-T4 and ligamentm nuchae I: lateral third of the superior nuchal line and mastoid process
77
What is the O and I of the Splenius cervicis
O: spinous process of T3 to T6 vertebrae I: posterior tuberles of TVPs of vertebrae C1-C4
78
What is the nerve contolling the splenius carvicis
dorsal rami of cervical cerves
79
what is the action of the splenius cervicis
lateral flexion of the head and neck and heat rotation (unilateral contraction) extension of the head and neck (bilateral contraction)
80
What three muscles are in the Erector spinae group
1. iliocostalis muscle 2. longissimus muscle 3. spinalis muscle
81
What are the common origins for the erector spinae group
iliac crest, posterior surface of sacrum thoracolumbar fascia spinous processes of lumbar and lower thoracic vertebrae
82
What three muscles are part of the iliocostalis group
iliocostalis lumborum iliocostalis thoracis iliocostalis cervicis
83
What three muscles are part of the longissimus group
longissimus thoracis longissimus cervicis longissimus capitis
84
What three muscles are part of the spinalis group
spinalis thoracis spinalis cervicis spinalis capitis
85
All three columns of the erector spinare are innervated by what?
Posterior rami of spinal nerves
86
What does unilateral contraction of the erector spinae group lead to
lateral flexion of the spine
87
what does bilateral contraction of the erector spinae lead to
extension of the spinal column
88
What three muscles are in the Transversospinalis group?
1. semispinalis 2. multidifi 3. Rotatores (short and long)
89
What are the three muscles in the semispinalis group
semispinalis thoracis semispinalis cervicis semispinalis capitis
90
Where does the semispinalis capitis insert?
On the occipital bone between the superior and inferior nuchal lines
91
How many vertebrae to semispinalis muscles generally pass over
5
92
What does bilateral contraction of the semispinalis muscles do
extrends the spinal column
93
what does unilateral contraction of the semispinalis group do
contralateral rotation
94
Where do multidifi muscles arise from
vetebral (neural) arches and go to spinous processes of vertebrae 2-3 levels up
95
What direction do the multidifi travel
same as semispinalis
96
What does bilateral contraction of the multidifi result in
extension of the spinal column
97
what does unilateral contraction of the multidifi result in
contralateral rotation
98
Where do long rotatores arise from
the transverse processes or vertebral arches
99
Where do the long rotatores insert
on the spinous processes of vetebrae 2 levels above
100
Where do short rotatores arise from
transverse processes of vertebral arches
101
Where do short rotatores insert
on the spinous processes of the next vertebra above
102
What is the action of rotatores
stabilization of the spinal colum | contralateral rotation
103
What are two types of segmental muscles
interspinous | intertransverse
104
Where is an interspinous segemental muscle
between spinous processes of asjoining vertebear
105
Where is an intertransverse segmental muscle
between transverse processes of adjoining vertebrae
106
Where are intertransverse muscles important
on the cervical spinal comumn
107
What does unilateral contraction of the intertransverse muscle result in
lateral flexion
108
what does bilateral contraction of the intertransverse muscle help with
extension of the spine
109
How many levator costarum muscles are there
12
110
What is the attachment of the levator costarum muscle
upper- transverse process of C7 | lowest- transverse process of T11
111
Where does the levator costarum insert
on the ribs between ribls angle and tubercle
112
What is the action of the levator costarum
elevate ribs
113
What are the four subooccipital muscles
rectus capitis posterior major rectus capitis posterior minor obliquus capitis superior obliquus capitis inferior
114
Rectus capitis posterior muscles are mainly what?
postural muscles
115
Where may the contraction of the rectus capitis posterior muscle extend
to the head at the atlantooccipital joint or ipsilateral rotation of the head
116
Is ipsilateral rotation bilataral or unilateral
unilateral contraction
117
What kind of joint contraction is the atlanto ooccipital joint
bilateral contraction
118
Innervation for the suboccipital muscles is through where?
the dorsal ramus of C1 nerve
119
Which three muscles make the suboccipital triangle
rectus capitis posterior major obliquus capitis superior obliquus capitis inferior
120
What is the floor of the suboccipital triangle formed of
posterior occipito-atlantal membrane, and the posterior arch of the atlas.
121
What are in the in the deep groove on the upper surface of the posterior arch of the atlas
vertebral artery and the first cervical or suboccipital nerve.
122
What are the contents of the suboccipital triangle
1) Third part of vertebral artery 2) Dorsal ramus of nerve C1-suboccipital nerve 3) Suboccipital venous plexus
123
What do the vertebral arteries branch from
subclavian arteries
124
What do the subclavian arteries (that the vertebral arteries branch from) merge to form
basilar artery
125
Abdominal wall muscles will be used to flex what part of the spinal column
lumbar portion
126
How is flexion caused tin the cervial spine
sternocleidomastiod muscle
127
The group of muscles that flexes the head and neck are innervated by what
anterior rami of cervical nerves
128
What is the ORIGIN of the sternocleidomastoid muscle
(superior) mastoid process of temporal bone and lateral portion of the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone
129
What is the INSERTION of the sternocleidomastoid bone
(inferior) sternal head to the upper portion of the sternal manubrium clavicular head to the medial third of the clavicle
130
What is the ACTION of the sternocleidomastiod muscle
Bilateral contraction- flexes the neck | Unilateral contraction- bring mastoid process forward and closer to the sternoclavicular joint
131
How is the sternocleidomastoid muscle INNERVATED
through the cranial nerve 11 (CN XI- accessory nerve) but through its spinal roots
132
What are the four prevertebral muscles
1. longus colli muscle 2. longus capitis muscle 3. rectus capitis anterior 4. rectus capitis lateralis
133
Where are the rectus capitis anterior and lateralis located
between the skull and spinal cord
134
Describe the rectus capitis anterior and lateralis
small, postural muscles | minimal flexion of head
135
scribe the weight distribution on the spinal canal
80%- anterior intervertebral joints | 20% posterior (articular processes ) intervertebral joints
136
What are the two types of joints
FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL
137
What are the functional joints
synarthroses amphiarthoses diarthroses
138
What are the structural joints
fibrous cartilaginous synovial (fluid)
139
Describe spina bifida occulta
Mostly harmless Neural tube does not fuse properly leaving a hole outside on skin hair is usually surrounding area
140
Describe spina bifida cystica
CSF bubble is outside hole where the neural tube failed to fuse two types 1- no nervous system displacement, just a herinated meningocoela, nervs remain inside neural tube. 2- paralyzation- meningomyelocoela, nerves are outside the neural tube
141
How do nerves pass to the exterior of the spinal column
intervertebral foramina
142
The movable vertebrae are connected by what 3 things
intervertebral disc facet joints longitudinal ligaments
143
What do intervertebral discs do
joints between adjacent vertebral bodies | act as fibrous shock absorbers
144
What do facet joints do
joints between adjacent vertebral arches | prevent displacement and allow movement
145
What do longitudinal ligaments do
prevent hyper-flexion or extension
146
What is Occipitalization of C1
C1 becomes fused with the base of the skull
147
What is Sacralization of L5
L5 is incorporated into sacrum
148
What is Lumbarization of S1
S1 is separated from sacrum, but is fused with L5 | as a result, the first normal articulation bears the body weight
149
What is kyphosis
excessive posterior curvature
150
What is lordosis
excess anterior curvature
151
What is Scoliosis
lateral curvature (usually in thoracic region)
152
Describe the body of the vertebrae
- cylindrical for support of weight | - bodies become progressively larger to support more weight
153
What are the two main parts of the vertebral arch and their purpose
pedicle and laminae to protec the neural tissue
154
What id the function of Articular Processes
• | prevent displacement
155
What id the purpose of Spinous and Transverse Processes
movement
156
The sacrum consists of how many fused vertebrae
5
157
what is the product of the fusion of the spinous processes in the sacrum
median sacral crest
158
What is the lateral sacral crest
fused transverse processes
159
How many vertebral foramina are there on the sacrum
4
160
What is the sacral promontory and where is it located
an important obstetrical landmark to measure A-P width of pelvic inlet fetal head must pass through located on the anterior edge of S1
161
What is the sacral hiatus
can be palpated at superior part of natal cleft filled with fatty connective tissue leads into the sacral canal (inferior end of vertebral canal) a landmark for epidural anesthesia
162
Where does the aorta divide
L4
163
Where do the common iliac arteries divide
sacro iliac joints
164
Where can the top of the coccyx be palpated
natal cleft
165
Where can the anterior surface of coccyx be palpated?
rectally
166
What is produced when an injury to the coccyx
coccydinia
167
Are joints between vertebral bodies cartilagenous or synovial
cartilaginous
168
What are the articulating surfaces of the vertebral body covered by
hyaline cartilage
169
Are joints between arches cartilagenous or synovial
synovial
170
What is the ligamentum flavum
discontinuous ligament joining anterior surfaces of adjacent laminae within vertebral canal
171
What is the interspinous ligament
joins adjacent spinous processes
172
What is the supraspinous ligament
from tip to tip of spinous processes
173
Describe Facet Joints
between inf. and sup. articular processes of adjacent vertebrae synovial articular facets covered by hyaline cartilage joint surrounded by fibrous capsule cervical region are the most mobile
174
What is the function of a facet joint
permit gliding movements between vertebrae (flexion & extension) limit rotation between adjacent vertebrae limit displacement between adjacent vertebrae
175
What is the orientation of a cervical facet
horizontal
176
What is the orientation of a thoracic facet
downward and posterior
177
what is the orientation of a lumbar facet
vertical and sagittal
178
When does Spondylolisthesis occur
“obstructive” function of articular processes is lost defect is in pedicles of lumbar vertebrae whole vertebral column is carried anteriorly
179
What happens in Nerve Root Irritation
facet joints are related posteriorly to intervertebral foramina joint injury or disease can affect spinal nerves
180
What are some mechanisms of nerve root irritation
overgrowth of bone facet dislocation joint inflammation
181
What factors contribute to intervertebral disc injury
age | forces (twisting, rapid deceleration, loads)
182
Where do the majority of disc injurys occur
lumbar-sacral levels mobile part of spine meets a relatively immobile part Posterolaterally.
183
Cause of symptoms in disc herniation
local tissue trauma & inflammation pressure on spinal nerve pressure on cervical/thoracic cord or cauda equina
184
Typical symptoms of disc herination
``` lumbago sciata muscle spasm and rigidity listing (favoring away from injury) motor or sensory loss ```
185
What are the effects of Compression of the L5 Nerve Root
impaired dorsiflexion of foot impaired extension of toes or big toe loss of or impaired sensation on dorsum of foot no change in strength of ankle jerk reflex
186
What are the effects of Compression of the S1 Nerve Root
impaired plantarflexion of foot impaired eversion of foot loss of or impaired sensation on lateral side of foot loss or weakness of ankle jerk reflex
187
Why does movement vary from person to person
thickness and compressibility of intervertebral discs muscle resistance tension of capsule around facet joint strength of associated ligaments
188
what are some injurys due to injuries due to excessive movement
dislocation disk herniation fracture-dislocation
189
Describe Pure Dislocations
commonly in cervical region typically between C5/C6 or C6/C7 unilateral or bilateral
190
C5/C6 dislocation
diminished elbow flexion diminished wrist extension diminished brachioradialis reflex sensory loss on distal lateral arm and hand
191
C6/C7 dislocation
``` diminished elbow extension diminished wrist flexion diminished finger extension diminished triceps tendon reflex sensory loss on middle finger and hand ```
192
Fractures of vertebral column commonly occur because
sudden forceful flex | falling from height onto top of head
193
What happens in Fracture Dislocations
caused by excessive flexion-compression injury | -causes tearing of ligaments

Anatomy 1 (5 decks)

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