Spine, trunk and pelvis

Question 1

Name the 5 sections of the vertebral column and state how many vertebrae they each contain

Answer 1

1. Cervical vertebrae: contains 7 vertebrae.
2. Thoracic vertebrae: contains 12 vertebrae
3. Lumbar vertebrae: contains 5 vertebrae
4. Sacrum: contains 5 fused bones
5. Coccyx: contains 3-4 fused bones

Question 2

How can we describe the location of a vertebrae?

Answer 2

Each vertebrae bone has its own number and letter code that is used to name them and describe their location.

Question 3

Name the different movements that the spine allows

Answer 3

Spinal flexion
Spinal extension
Lateral flexion
Rotation

Question 4

Name 5 key landmarks within a typical vertebrae

Answer 4

Vertebral body
Spinous processes
Transverse processes
Vertebral foramen
Intervertebral foramen

Question 5

Describe the vertebral body

Answer 5

It supports the weight of everything above it.
It differs in shape between the different vertebrae in the body.

Question 6

Describe the transverse and spinous processes

Answer 6

Help provide protection.
Provide attachment points for muscles and ligaments.
Help articulate with adjoining vertebrae.

Question 7

Describe the vertebral foramen

Answer 7

Hole in the vertebrae that allow for the spinal cord to fit into

Question 8

Describe the intervertebral foramen

Answer 8

Space that is created when vertebras are stacked on top of one another.
It is important to allow spinal nerves to go into the spinal cord.

Question 9

What is the cervical vertebrae important for?

Answer 9

Head and neck movement

Question 10

What is the thoracic vertebrae important for?

Answer 10

Spinal cord protection

Question 11

What is the lumber vertebrae important for?

Answer 11

Weight support and movement

Question 12

Explain the roles of vertebral discs

Answer 12

• shock absorber for the spine
• help with the compression of the spine
• help to avoid damage
• help with movement: they form a fibre cartilage joint that allows slight movement and acts as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together.

Question 13

Describe structure of vertebral discs

Answer 13

Nucleus pulposus: gel like structure which sits in the centre and accounts for strength and flexibility.
Annulus fibrosis: concentric layer of collagen fibre and allow effective resistance from multidirectional movement.

Question 14

What is a disc herniation?

Answer 14

When the vertebral discs pops out and doesn’t sit in the correct position and puts pressure on the nerves and spinal cord.
It leads to back and leg pain.

Question 15

What do the 4 natural curvatures of the spinal column do?

Answer 15

Help absorb and distribute the stress from everyday activities.

Question 16

Name 4 deformities of the spine

Answer 16

Scoliosis
Kyphosis
Lordosis
Flat back

Question 17

What is the thorax and what is it made up of?

Answer 17

A bony cage that is formed by the sternum, ribs and the thoracic vertebrae.

Question 18

What does the thorax do?

Answer 18

Protects internal organs.
Provides support for the shoulder girdle.
Provides areas for muscle attachment.

Question 19

Name the three sections of the sternum

Answer 19

Manubrium
Body
Xiphoid process

Question 20

How many ribs are there?

Answer 20

12

Question 21

Describe the length of the ribs

Answer 21

Ribs increase in length from ribs 1-7 and decrease in length from ribs 8-12.

Question 22

What is the scapula important for?

Answer 22

Movement of the upper body in the appendicular skeleton.

Question 23

Name the bones that make up the pelvis

Answer 23

Hip bones (ilium, pubis and ischium)
Coccyx
Sacrum

Question 24

Name the key functions of the pelvic bones

Answer 24

Locomotion (movement)
Body weight
Childbirth
Provides protection to abdominal organs which are held within the pelvic regions.

Question 25

Describe the differences between male and female pelvises

Answer 25

Female pelvises are larger, wider and rounded (required for childbirth) Male pelvises are narrower and the ileus crest is higher.

Question 26

Describe features of the trunk

Answer 26

- global system (outer layer) - superficial muscles that span many joints - direction specific - fatigue rapidly - keeps spine rigid - allows force to be transferred - muscles can be trained with high loads and effort, decreased frequency and duration

Question 27

Describe features of the core

Answer 27

- local system (deep and middle layer) - muscles that are deep and smaller - non-directional - highly fatigue resistant - stabilise spine - produce segmental control and anticipatory activity

Question 28

What is the function of the trunk?

Answer 28

To support effort and forces from your arms and legs so that muscles and joints can perform in their safest, strongest and most effective positions.

Question 29

Explain the deep muscles

Answer 29

Part of the local system Responsible for controlling movement that occur within a joint. Within the vertebral column each segment will slide and rotate on top of one another.

Question 30

Name the deep muscles

Answer 30

Interspinalis Rotator Intertransversarii

Question 31

Explain the middle layer muscles

Answer 31

Form an inner unit When activated they create a non-compressible cylinder (intra-abdominal pressure). Stabilises the spine and reduces pressure on the intervertebral discs. Crucial to provide foundation for optimal arm and leg function.

Question 32

Name the middle layer muscles

Answer 32

Diaphragm Transversus abdominus Levator Ani (pelvic floor)

Question 33

Explain the outer layer muscles

Answer 33

Part of the global system Form muscle slings Create and maintain optimal working relationships between joints and help to coordinate various body segments for successful motion

Question 34

Name the outer layer muscles

Answer 34

Erector spine Quadratus lumborum Internal obliques External obliques Rectus abdominus

Question 35

What is lower crossed syndrome (common distortion pattern)?

Answer 35

Characterised by an anterior tilt of the pelvis resulting in an arched back. Typically occurs in individuals who spend prolonged periods of time in the seated position. Results in changes in muscle length.

Question 36

How do we categorise spinal exercises?

Answer 36

1. According to the objective of the exercise and the intended physical outcome. 2. Functionality 3. Spinal displacement

Question 37

Name the 4 categorisation of spinal exercises according to the objective of the exercise

Answer 37

Mobility Motor control Work capacity Strength, stiffness, and power

Question 38

Explain the mobility category of spinal exercises according to the objective of the exercise

Answer 38

The freedom of movement at spinal segments. Provides the basis for the development of motor control and optimal spinal function.

Question 39

Explain the motor control category of spinal exercises according to the objective of the exercise

Answer 39

The process of initiating, directing, and grading purposeful voluntary movement.

Question 40

Explain the work capacity category of spinal exercises according to the objective of the exercise

Answer 40

The ability to produce or tolerate variable intensities and durations of work. Contributes to the ability of an athlete to perform efficiently.

Question 41

Explain the strength, stiffness and power category of spinal exercises according to the objective of the exercise

Answer 41

Strength = the ability to produce force Stiffness = the ability to protect the spine and 'stiffen' against yielding force Power = the rate of force development

Question 42

Explain the functional category of spinal exercises according to functionality

Answer 42

A continuum of exercises that enable athletes to effectively manipulate their body weight in all planes of movement to achieve optimal athletic performance. E.g., weight bearing or sport specific positions

Question 43

Explain the non-functional category of spinal exercises according to functionality

Answer 43

Exercises that are typically performed in partial weight bearing positions. Across a single plane of motion. Movement isolates to fewer joints.

Question 44

Explain the static category of spinal exercises according to spinal displacement

Answer 44

Maintenance of a neutral spinal posture No appreciable segmental displacement

Question 45

Explain the dynamic category of spinal exercises according to spinal displacement

Answer 45

Exercises involving appreciable dynamic segmental movement