Spine/Vertebrae
how many vertebrae are there?
how many per region of spine
33 total
7 cervical
12 thoracic
5 lumbar
5 sacral (fused)
4 coccyx (fused)
transverse processes stick out _____, while the spinous processes stick out _____
laterally; medially
intervertebral discs are
soft pads between each vertebrae that act as shock absorbers "cushions"
inferior articular process of one vertebrae connecting with the superior articular process of the vertebrae right below it
superior aspect of iliac crest
posterior superior iliac spine
superior = L4
posterior = S2
what are the 3 abnromal curvatures of the spine
kyphophosis (hunch back - T spine affected)
lordosis (sway back - L spine affected)
scoliosis (lateral curve)
spinous process in regards to neuraxial is used to
intervertebral foramina are
the openings between the vertebrae where spinal nerves exit the spine
function of facets
help guide and limit the spine's movement, keeping the back's motions controlled
infants up to 1 year, intercristal line corresponds with
L5-S1 intervertebral space
each vertebrae except _____ is divided into which two main parts
C1 (atlas)
anterior - body
posterior - vertebral arch
cervical and thoracic spinous processes vary from lumbar spinous processes because they
point caudally (downward)
the anterior side of the foramen is formed by the
veterbral body and the intervertebral disc
injury to a facet joint can result in
pain and muscle spasms in the area of skin served by that nerve (dermatome)
veterbral prominens
C7
which two structures link the anterior and posterior segments
lamina and pedicle
what is your needle approach for thoracic epidural and cervical steroid injections
cephalad approach
~40 degree angle upwards
the posterior side of each foramen is formed by the
facet joints
T/F the lamina of S5 is complete
false, incomplete and bridged by ligaments (sacrococcygeal ligament)
root of spine of scapula
inferior angle of scapula
root of spine of scapula = T3
inferior angle = T7
veterbral foramen houses the
spinal cord, nerve roots, and the epidural space
lumbar spinous processes stick out in which direction, what angle should the needle be to access the interveterbral space to place epidural/intrathecal blocks
90 degree angle to back
with disc degeneration, discs wear down and the foramina becomes
smaller - the narrowing can press onspinal nerves potentially causing pain, numbness, or weakness
sacral hiatus is located where
at the base of the sacrum and aligns with S5 vertebrae
covered by the sacrococcygeal ligament
sacral cornua are projections of the articular processes that guard what? and landmarks for ?
sacral hiatus
caudal anesthesia