Spinal Column
How many (fused) vertebrae make up the sacrum and coccyx (respectively)?
5
4-3
What are the three primary ligaments that hold the dens in place?
Transverse, Alar and Apical
Explain the nerve distribution of the Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar neuroforamen:
C: head and arms
T: abdomen and thorax
L: Legs and pelvis
Which muscles make up the "erector spinae muscles" (insertion and origin)
Spinalis (L3-T2)
Longissimus (S5-C2)
Iliocostalis (ilum-C4 & all ribs)
What is the notable anatomical difference between certain thoracic vertebrae?
T1-9 have two rib joints: the constovertebral and the costotransverse
T10-12 have only the costovertebral
What structures form/define the intervertebral foramen?
inferior and superior vertebral notches
intervertebral disc
zygapophyseal joint
The spinal cord grows differently than the spinal column: what occures from different growth...and where (usually)?
Results in acensus medullae (process) and cauda equina (structure) from L1-5
Which vertebrae break during a hanging?
C2 bilateral fracture of pedicles (2nd most common) called: "Hangman's Fracture"
Name the spine curves (where?) and where does the sagittal weight line pass through (usually)?
kyphosis: hunchback (T)
lordosis: barbie (L/C)
L3-4
What are the four main spinal ligaments?
Anterior and Posterior longitudinal, flavium and supraspinal ligaments
Explain the two different types of scoliosis:
structural (rotational, irreversible without treatment) non-structural (no rotation, aka functional, usually accounting for other root problem)
Which vertebrae permit for most rotational motion, why not the others...?
Cervical and Thoracic, Anatomic structure of facet joints in lumbar can't allow much rotational movement
What makes up a "Spinal Segment"?
2 vertebrae
2 nerve roots
1 intervertebral disc
2 facet joints
Which ring like structures appear in all cervical vertebrae but not in thoracic or lumbar vertebrae? And what does it "hold"?
Foramen transversarium: vertebral artery and vein (+ sympathetic plexus nerves)
Most common causes of cervical spine injury?
Trauma to axial loading and neck buckling, whiplash
8/10 scoliosis cases have unknown origin, what are the causes and resulting scoliosis types of the other cases?
Congenital, neuromuscular, degenerative (STRUCTURAL)
What two main joints contribute significantly to head movement, which joints with which movement?
Atlanto-occipital (yes) and Atlanto-axial (no)
Describe the parts of a intervertebral disc:
Nucleus pulposas: for cushioning/resisting compressive forces
Annulus fibrosus: stabilize disc/bind nucleus/resist tensile forces
Which nerve(s) innervate the intrinsic back muscles?
Dorsal Rami
In case of a herniated disc, what complication may arise?
Compression of spinal cord, cauda equina, nerve roots leading to pain, tingling and paralysis