Introduction to Gross Anatomy of the Limbs

Question 0

Deep fascia

Answer 0

The deep fascia is composed of dense irregular connective tissue, and surrounds deep structures. The inter-muscular septa separates muscles into compartments, and usually extends from the deep fascia to bone.

Question 1

Superficial fascia

Answer 1

The superficial fascia is he first layer under the skin, also called the subcutaneous tissue (tela subcutanea), or hypodermis. It contains fat (adipose tissue), superficial veins, cutaneous nerves, small arteries, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes in a few specific locations. It connects skin to underlying connective tissue, and provides protection and insulation.

Question 2

The two attachment points of a muscle to bones

Answer 2

The proximal attachment point is the ‘origin’ and is typically the more fixed attachment. The distal attachment point is the ‘insertion’ and is typically the more moveable attachment

Question 3

What are the different types of nerves?

Answer 3

Sensory (afferent) from skin, muscles, joints etc. (detect pain, temperature, touch, stretch etc.)
Motor (efferent) to skeletal muscles
Sympathetic (visceral motor) to sweat glands, smooth muscle of blood vessels

Question 4

What are the spinal nerves?

Answer 4

The spinal cord gies rise to 31 pairs of spinal nerves which are names after their exit from the vertebrae:
cervical (C1-8)
thoracic (T1-T12)
lumbar (L1-L5)
sacral (s1-s5)
coccygeal (Co1)

Question 5

What spinal nerves are the lower limbs controlled by?

Answer 5

The lower limbs are supplied by branches of spinal nerves L1-L5, S1-S3.

Question 6

What spinal nerves are the upper limbs supplied by?

Answer 6

The upper limb is supplied by branches of spinal nerves C5-C8, T1

Question 7

Arteries

Answer 7

Arteries (abbreviations: a=artery, aa=arteries), convey blood from the heart to peripheral tissues to supply oxygen, nutrients etc. The ‘origin’ of an artery is proximal to the heart, and the ‘termination’ of an artery is distal to the heart,
The origin of an artery: passes a structure and changes names; or arises as a branch of another artery.
The termination of an artery: passes a structure and changes name; or divides into two arteries

Question 8

Veins

Answer 8

Veins (abbreviations: v=vein, vv=veins) return blood from the peripheral tissues to the heart, removing carbon dioxide and wastes. The origin of the vein is more distal to the heart, and the termination of a vein is more proximal to the heart.
The termination of a vein: drains into another vein, or passes structure and changes names
A tributary: is a vein which drains into another vein