30 Questions
What is the primary function of the iliocostalis muscles?
Extending the vertebral column and head
How do the iliocostalis muscles participate in controlling vertebral column flexion?
By contracting and relaxing in a coordinated fashion
What is the effect of unilateral contraction of iliocostalis muscles attached to the head?
Turning the head to the actively contracting side
In addition to extending the vertebral column, what other action do the iliocostalis muscles perform when acting bilaterally?
Pulling the head posteriorly
What is the primary role of the iliocostalis muscles when acting unilaterally?
Bending the vertebral column laterally
How do the iliocostalis muscles contribute to returning the back to an upright position from a fixed position?
By straightening the back
What is the effect of bilateral contraction of iliocostalis muscles on the vertebral column?
Straightening the vertebral column
What is the consequence of unilateral contractions of muscles attached to the head?
Turning the head to the actively contracting side
In what way do the iliocostalis muscles contribute to the movement of the head?
By pulling the head posteriorly
What is the primary action of the iliocostalis muscles when acting bilaterally?
Straightening the back and returning it to the upright position
Which vertebral group has a heart-shaped vertebral body?
Thoracic vertebrae
Which vertebral group lacks costal facets?
Lumbar vertebrae
Which joints are involved in the vertebral column?
Zygapophysial joints
Which part of the intervertebral discs absorbs compression forces and limits rotation between vertebrae?
Nucleus pulposus
Which muscle is considered an extrinsic muscle of the back?
Rhomboid major
Which muscle group consists of spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis?
Erector spinae muscle group
Which vertebral group has a triangular shape and a curved sacrum?
Sacral vertebrae
Which ligament of the vertebral column is located anteriorly within the vertebral canal?
Posterior longitudinal ligament
Which muscle is part of the intermediate group muscles of the back?
Serratus posterior superior
Which part of the vertebral column has a small size and absence of vertebral arches and vertebral canal?
Coccygeal vertebrae
How many thoracic vertebrae are there in the vertebral column?
12
What is the function of the first two cervical vertebrae and associated muscles?
Support, move, and position the head
How many sacral vertebrae are fused into the sacrum?
5
What is the general shape of the primary curvature of the vertebral column?
Concave ventrally
What do the pedicles of a vertebra attach?
Arch to body
Which part of the vertebra projects dorsally and inferiorly from the laminae for muscle and ligament attachment?
Spinous process
Where are the superior and inferior articular processes located in a vertebra?
Cranially and caudally
What is the function of the intervertebral discs and ligaments in the vertebral column?
Link adjacent vertebral bodies
What is the total number of coccygeal vertebrae fused into the coccyx?
3-4
What happens to the size of the vertebral column as the amount of weight supported increases?
Size increases caudally
Study Notes
Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Vertebral Column and Muscles of the Back
- The cervical vertebrae have a small size, triangular vertebral canal and a squared shape body when seen from above.
- Thoracic vertebrae have 12 vertebrae (T1-T12), characterized by their articulation with ribs and a heart-shaped vertebral body.
- Lumbar vertebrae have 5 vertebrae (L1-L5), with a large size, cylindrical shaped body, and lack of costal facets.
- The sacral vertebrae are 5 fused vertebrae (S1-S5) with a triangular shape and curved sacrum.
- The coccygeal vertebrae are 3-4 fused vertebrae (Co1-Co3-4) with a small size and absence of vertebral arches and vertebral canal.
- Joints of the vertebral column include intervertebral foramen, zygapophysial joints, symphysis, and uncovertebral joints.
- Intervertebral discs consist of nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus, which absorb compression forces and limit rotation between vertebrae.
- Ligaments of the vertebral column include ligamentum flavum, posterior longitudinal ligament, interspinous ligament, and supraspinous ligament.
- The biomechanics of the trunk involve muscles of the back, including the superficial and intermediate groups, and their general functions.
- Extrinsic muscles of the back include the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, rhomboid major and minor, and levator scapulae.
- Intermediate group muscles of the back include serratus posterior superior and serratus posterior inferior.
- Deep group intrinsic muscles of the back include the erector spinae muscle group, consisting of spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis.
Test your knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of the vertebral column and muscles of the back with this comprehensive quiz. Explore the characteristics of cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal vertebrae, as well as the joints, intervertebral discs, and ligaments of the vertebral column. Delve into the biomechanics of the trunk and learn about the various muscles, including the superficial, intermediate, and deep groups, and their specific functions
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