Sciatic Foramina Anatomy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is primarily preserved in a case of weakness in hip extension?

Gracilis functioning

Iliopsoas functioning

Gluteus maximus functioning (correct)

Sartorius functioning

Which muscles retain their function in cases of weakness in knee flexion?

Biceps femoris and Semitendinosus

Sartorius and Gracilis (correct)

Adductor longus and Adductor magnus

Rectus femoris and Vastus lateralis

Which movements are lost due to weakness in the lower limb?

Thigh flexion and external rotation

Dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion (correct)

Leg extension and knee stability

Hip abduction and adduction

Which nerve's injury leads to loss of specific lower limb movements?

Sciatic nerve Signup and view all the answers

What type of weakness is present in the extension of the hip?

Weakness with gluteus maximus still functioning Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament is located posteriorly in the boundaries of the greater sciatic foramen?

Sacro-tuberous ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which structure passes through the lesser sciatic foramen?

Pudendal nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the muscles of the gluteal region and the sciatic foramina?

They surround the foramina. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the boundaries of the lesser sciatic foramen superiorly?

Sacrospinous ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is NOT involved in the boundaries of the greater sciatic foramen?

Sacroiliac joint Signup and view all the answers

What is the antero-superior boundary of the greater sciatic foramen?

Greater sciatic notch Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the structures passing through the sciatic foramina is incorrect?

The femoral artery passes through the greater sciatic foramen. Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament primarily helps to form the sciatic foramina?

Sacrospinous ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is located inferiorly to the piriformis muscle?

Inferior gluteal nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the sacrotuberous ligament in relation to the sciatic notches?

It forms the posterior boundary of the lesser sciatic notch. Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is responsible for innervating the inferior gemellus muscle?

Nerve to quadratus femoris Signup and view all the answers

In which condition might an ice skater experience sciatic nerve injury due to spasm in the piriformis muscle?

Piriformis syndrome Signup and view all the answers

Which of these arteries is NOT located in the greater sciatic foramen?

Femoral artery Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is primarily affected by a stab wound in the gluteal region?

Sciatic nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of an injury to the sciatic nerve on the lower limb muscles?

Complete paralysis of all leg muscles Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is NOT directly associated with the content of the greater sciatic foramen?

Gluteus maximus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sciatic Foramina

The Sciatic Foramina are openings in the pelvis that allow structures to pass between the pelvic cavity and the lower limb.
There are two sciatic foramina:
- Greater sciatic foramen: Larger opening located superior to the lesser sciatic foramen.
- Lesser sciatic foramen: Smaller opening located inferior to the greater sciatic foramen.

Boundaries of Sciatic Foramina

Greater Sciatic Foramen:
- Antero-Superior: Greater sciatic notch
- Posteriorly: Sacrotuberous ligament
- Inferiorly: Sacrospinous ligament
Lesser Sciatic Foramen:
- Superiorly: Sacrospinous ligament
- Anteriorly: Lesser sciatic notch
- Posteriorly: Sacrotuberous ligament

Relation Between Muscles and Sciatic Foramina

Piriformis muscle: Plays a crucial role in the development of the sciatic foramen.
Obturator Internus: Located on the medial aspect of the pelvis and contributes to the formation of the lesser sciatic foramen.

Contents of Sciatic Foramina

Greater Sciatic Foramen:
- Superior to Piriformis:
  - Superior gluteal nerve
  - Superior gluteal artery
- Inferior to Piriformis:
  - Inferior gluteal nerve
  - Inferior gluteal artery
  - Sciatic nerve
  - Posterior cutaneous nerve of thigh
  - Nerve to obturator internus
  - Nerve to quadratus femoris
Lesser Sciatic Foramen:
- Superior gemellus
- Obturator internus tendon
- Inferior gemellus
- Pudendal nerve
- Internal pudendal artery

Clinical Correlation

Piriformis Syndrome:
- Occurs when the piriformis muscle spasms, causing pain and numbness in the buttock and leg.
- Common in athletes like ice skaters, cyclists, and rock climbers.
Sciatic Nerve Injury:
- Most commonly caused by trauma to the gluteal region or posterior compartment of the thigh.
- Can lead to weakness in the hamstring muscles, leg muscles, and foot muscles.
- May also result in loss of sensation in the leg and foot.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the sciatic foramina, their boundaries, and the muscles associated with them. This quiz covers key details about the greater and lesser sciatic foramina, their locations, and surrounding structures. Perfect for students studying pelvic anatomy.