Anatomy of the back Flashcards
(30 cards)
how many cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are there
c = 7 t = 12 l = 5
what are the names of C1 and C2 vertebrae
C1 = atlas C2 = Axis
how many joints does a typical vertebra have with an adjacent vertebra
6
- Two symphyses (one superior to and one inferior to the vertebra)
- Four synovial joints (two superior and two inferior)
what is the function of the annulus fibrosus
surrounds nucleus puplosus
it limits rotation between the vertebrae
what is the function of the nucleus pulposus
absorbs compressions forces between the vertebrae
where would you find zygapophysial joints
The synovial joints that are located between the superior and inferior articular processes on adjacent vertebrae are known as the zygapophysial joints. Each of these joints is surrounded by a joint capsule.
describe the orientation of the zygapophysial joints in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. state the reason for the different orientations
Cervical:
- slopes inferiorly from anterior to posterior
- facilitates flexion and extension
Thoracic:
- orientated vertically
- limits flexion and extension but facilitates rotation
Lumbar:
- curved and adjacent processes interlock
- limits range of movement
- however flexion and extension are still major movements of this region
what is the function of the anterior longitudinal ligament
prevents hyperextension of the vertebral column
where does the posterior longitudinal ligament extend from
Extends from C2 to the sacrum and is mainly attached to the intervertebral discs.
where does the anterior longitudinal ligament extend from
Extends from C1 to the sacrum.
what do ligament flava join
going the laminae of adjacent vertebrae
what do interspinous ligaments connect
connect the spinous process
describe the supraspinous ligament
cord-like band of tissue connect ting the tips of the spinous processes from c7 to the sacrum
it merges with the nuchal ligament
what is a dermatome
A dermatome refers to a strip of skin that is innervated by a single spinal nerve
what nerves are involved with the innervation of the back
Cervical spinal nerves C4 – C6
Thoracic spinal nerves T2 – T12
Lumbar spinal nerves L1 – L3
name the superficial group of extrinsic back muscles
- Trapezius muscles
- Rhomboid major and rhomboid minor muscles
- Levator scapulae muscles
- Latissimus dorsi muscles
name the intermediate group of extrinsic back muscles
- Serratus posterior superior muscles (located deep to the rhomboid major and rhomboid minor muscles)
- Serratus posterior inferior muscles (located deep to the latissimus dorsi muscles)
describe the innervation of the intermediate group of extrinsic back muscles
Innervation:
Serratus posterior superior muscles – innervated by the 2nd – 5th intercostal nerves
Serratus posterior inferior muscles – Innervated by the 9th – 12th intercostal nerves
name the muscles in the erector spinae group
- Iliocostalis m.
- Longissimus m.
- Spinalis m.
describe the innervation of the erector spinae group of muscles
posterior rami of cervical spinal nerves 1 to lumber spinal nerve 5
true or false
The thoracic region of the vertebral column is convex, posteriorly.
true
true or false
The iliocostalis muscle is the most medially located of the erector spinae group.
false
true or false
The posterior longitudinal ligament is broader compared to the anterior longitudinal ligament.
false
Which of the following muscles does not belong to the erector spinae group of muscles?
Iliocostalis muscles
Serratus posterior inferior muscles
Spinalis muscles
Longissiumus muscles
Serratus posterior inferior muscles
