Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the transverse foramen in the cervical spine?
What is the primary function of the transverse foramen in the cervical spine?
Which cervical vertebra lacks a spinous process?
Which cervical vertebra lacks a spinous process?
What percentage of flexion and extension is provided by the atlanto-occipital joint?
What percentage of flexion and extension is provided by the atlanto-occipital joint?
What feature of the thoracic spine facilitates the formation of the apophyseal joint?
What feature of the thoracic spine facilitates the formation of the apophyseal joint?
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Which part of the intervertebral disc is responsible for shock absorption?
Which part of the intervertebral disc is responsible for shock absorption?
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What projection of the lumbar spinous process facilitates its relationship to weight distribution?
What projection of the lumbar spinous process facilitates its relationship to weight distribution?
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How are the superior and inferior articular facets of the lumbar spine oriented?
How are the superior and inferior articular facets of the lumbar spine oriented?
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What consequence can result from the dehydration of the nucleus pulposus?
What consequence can result from the dehydration of the nucleus pulposus?
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What is a defining characteristic of the apophyseal joints during axial rotation between L1 and L2?
What is a defining characteristic of the apophyseal joints during axial rotation between L1 and L2?
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What is the structural purpose of the vertebral endplate?
What is the structural purpose of the vertebral endplate?
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What is the primary motion that occurs at the atlantoaxial joint during axial rotation?
What is the primary motion that occurs at the atlantoaxial joint during axial rotation?
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During craniocervical protraction, which segment undergoes flexion?
During craniocervical protraction, which segment undergoes flexion?
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Which abdominal muscle is first to activate during trunk stabilization?
Which abdominal muscle is first to activate during trunk stabilization?
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What action does the sternocleidomastoid muscle perform during unilateral activation?
What action does the sternocleidomastoid muscle perform during unilateral activation?
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Which of the following describes the motion of the thoracic vertebrae during flexion?
Which of the following describes the motion of the thoracic vertebrae during flexion?
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What is the effect of unilateral contraction of trunk muscles?
What is the effect of unilateral contraction of trunk muscles?
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In the presence of intramuscular fat within multifidi muscles, which dysfunction is likely to occur?
In the presence of intramuscular fat within multifidi muscles, which dysfunction is likely to occur?
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Which term refers to the anterior tilt of the sacrum during nutation?
Which term refers to the anterior tilt of the sacrum during nutation?
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What motion occurs at the lumbar spine during extension?
What motion occurs at the lumbar spine during extension?
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Which of the following groups of muscles is involved in fine motor control of the spine?
Which of the following groups of muscles is involved in fine motor control of the spine?
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Study Notes
Cervical Spine Osteology
- Transverse foramen: Passage for vertebral artery to the brain.
- Large articular facets: Their orientation influences spinal movement, directed superiorly and posteriorly.
- Uncinate process: Vertical projections on C3-C6 provide stability in vertical and frontal planes.
- Atlas (C1): Supports the occiput without a spinous process; characterized by large transverse processes and concave superior facets.
- Atlanto-occipital joint: Contributes 50% of flexion and extension at the AO joint.
- Atlantoaxial joint: Primary site of head rotation; contains the dens.
Thoracic & Lumbar Spine Osteology
- Thoracic spine consists of 12 segments with vertically projecting facets; superior facets face posteriorly and inferior facets face anteriorly.
- Lumbar spine features a large body to bear weight, and spinous processes project posteriorly; mammillary processes attach multifidi muscles.
- Superior articular facets are slightly concave while inferior facets are slightly convex.
Interbody Joints
- Intervertebral discs have a gel-like nucleus pulposus, surrounded by annulus fibrosis for shock absorption.
- Discs can dehydrate with age/injury, leading to reduced shock absorption and potential bone spurs or nerve impingements.
- Vertebral endplates connect bodies to discs, facilitating nutrient transfer to the nucleus pulposus.
Osteokinematic Movements
- Movements described cranially to caudally, with specific terms like approximation (compression) and separation (gapping) for spinal motion.
- Gliding occurs during flexion-extension of the cervical spine, impacting the apophyseal joints.
Spinal Coupling
- Movement in one plane often prompts movement in another, e.g., lateral flexion coupled with axial rotation in C3-C7.
- Craniocervical flexion includes anterior rolling of the occiput and tilting of the atlas, while extension includes opposite movements.
Sacroiliac Joint & Pelvic Ring
- SI joints connect the axial skeleton to lower limbs, potentially a source of low back pain.
- Nutation: Forward nodding motion (flexion) involves anterior sacral tilt.
- Counternutation: Extension involves posterior sacral tilt, stabilizing the pelvic ring.
Trunk Muscles
- Bilateral muscle contraction typically leads to pure flexion/extension; unilateral contractions result in lateral flexion or rotation.
- Erector spinae group: Includes spinalis, longissimus, iliocostalis for extension and stability.
- Transversospinal group: Multidirectional support; affected by intramuscular fat affecting timing during low back pain.
- Short segmental group stabilizes and controls fine motor actions between vertebrae.
Anterior-Lateral Trunk Muscles
- Rectus abdominis: Most superficial muscle, critical for flexion.
- Obliquus externus/internus abdominis: Function in trunk rotation and flexion, key for abdominal wall strength.
- Transversus abdominis: Acts as a corset, stabilizing the lumbar region and compressing the abdomen.
Craniocervical Region Muscles
- Anterior craniocervical muscles include sternocleidomastoid and scalenes, which assist in head movement and ventilation.
- Longus colli and longus capitis stabilize and flex the cervical spine.
- Posterior muscles, including splenius and suboccipital muscles, control fine motor functions and provide extension.
Clinical Applications
- Forward head posture: Misalignment causing strain on posterior muscles, potentially leading to discomfort and decreased function.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the osteologic features of the cervical spine. This quiz covers key characteristics such as the transverse foramen and articular facets, focusing on their unique roles and orientations. Enhance your understanding of cervical spine anatomy and its functionality.
