Applied Anatomy of the Spine II

Question 1

Typical vertebrae

Answer 1

• Cervical vertebra C3-C6
• Saddle shape (smallest bodies of the spine)
• Bifid spinous processes (more muscle attachments)
• Vertebetral arteries pass through transverse foramen of C1-C6

Question 2

C7

Answer 2

• Non-bifid spinous process (artery doesn’t pass through)
• Longest transverse processes
• Vertebra prominens***

Question 3

C1 / Atlas

Answer 3

• NO body
• small spinous process
• Occipital bone rests on it
• Flexion and extension
• Occiput / C1 form the “Yes” joint

Question 4

C2 / Axis

Answer 4

• Atypical vertebra
• Dens / Odontoid
• Rotation
• NO joint

Question 5

Thoracic Spine

Answer 5

• Facets (joint surfaces), ribs articulate with
• Costal (rib) facets, vertebral bodies and transverse processes
• Key characteristic***
• Heart-shaped
• Articulations of intervertebral facets are facing in the coronal plane

Question 6

Lumbar Spine

Answer 6

• Large, kidney-shaped
• Articulations of intervertebral facts facing in the sagittal plane
• Largest bodies, largest discs

Question 7

Sacrum

Answer 7

• Wedge-shaped (triangular)
• Five, fused vertebral segments
• Four foramina on each side (sacral nerves)

Question 8

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament

Answer 8

• Attaches on the anterior aspect of all bodies/discs
• Strong compared to PLL
• Prevents hyperextension of spine***

Question 9

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Answer 9

• Covers all bodies/discs from C2 to sacrum***
• Prevents hyperflexion***
• Not as strong as ALL
• Becomes thinner, less wide as it descends
• Disc herniations occur most frequently in lumber spine due to thinness of PLL

Question 10

Ligamentum Flavum

Answer 10

• Yellowish
• Protects neural elements, spinal cord, and stabilizes spine
• Lamina to lamina, posterior wall of spinal canal
• Strongest of spinal ligaments***

Question 11

Ligamentum Nuchae

Answer 11

• Cervical spine only
• Occipital bone to spinous processes of C1-C7
• Provides support, area for muscular attachments

Question 12

Long Restrictor

Answer 12

• Move more than two vertebrae
• Cross more than one joint
• Erector Spinae muscles

Question 13

Short Restrictor

Answer 13

• Move one vertebra upon another

- Rotatores, Intertransversarii, Interspinales

Question 14

Trapezius

Answer 14

• Occiput to T12
• Ligamentum nuchae
• Clavicle

Question 15

Erector Spinae

Answer 15

• From lateral to medial (I Love Spaghetti!)
• Iliocostales (pelvis to ribs)
• Longissimus
• Spinales