Vertebral Column, Pelvis, Lower Limbs, and Related Medical Specialists

Flashcards covering the types of vertebrae, sacrum, coccyx, bones of the pelvis, femurs, knee anatomy, lower leg bones, and various musculoskeletal medical specialists.

What are the first seven vertebrae that form the neck known as?

Cervical vertebrae (C1 through C7)

Which set of vertebrae are known as T1 through T12 and each have a pair of ribs attached?

Thoracic vertebrae

Which vertebrae are the largest and strongest, bearing most of the body's weight, and form the inward curve of the lower back?

Lumbar vertebrae (L1 through L5)

What is the slightly curved, triangular-shaped bone near the base of the spine that forms the lower portion of the back?

The sacrum

What is another name for the coccyx, which forms the end of the spine?

The tailbone

What are the main functions of the pelvis?

It protects internal organs and supports the extremities

What three bones make up the pelvic girdle, a ring of bone at the lower end of the trunk?

The ilium, ischium, and pubis

Which broad, blade-shaped bone forms the back and upper sides of the pubic bone?

The ilium

Which bone forms the lower posterior portion of the pubic bone and bears the body's weight when sitting?

The ischium

What bone forms the anterior portion of the pubic bone and is located below the urinary bladder?

The pubis

What is a symphysis?

A place where two bones are joined

What are the largest bones in the body, also known as thigh bones?

The femurs

What is another name for the patella, the bony anterior portion of the knee?

The kneecap

What term describes the posterior space behind the knee where ligaments, vessels, and muscles are located?

Popliteal

What are the ligaments in the knee that are shaped like a cross and make possible the movements of the knee?

Anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments

What is the larger anterior weight-bearing bone in the lower leg, also known as the shinbone?

The tibia

What type of specialist focuses on manipulative treatment of disorders originating from spinal misalignments?

A chiropractor

Who is a physician specializing in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders involving bones, joints, and muscles?

An orthopedic surgeon (or orthopedist)

What medical professional holds a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree and uses traditional medical treatment combined with spinal manipulation?

An osteopath

What type of specialist diagnoses and treats disorders of the foot?

A podiatrist

Which physician specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and disorders characterized by inflammation in joints and connective tissue?

A rheumatologist