The Spine

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the spine, including vertebrae, ligaments, spinal curves, and muscle functions.

Cervical Vertebrae

The seven vertebrae in the neck that support the head and allow for a range of motion.

Kyphotic curvature

The primary spinal curve of the spine that is present in utero, characterized by a large C-shape.

Lordosis

The secondary spinal curves developed in the cervical and lumbar regions as the body adapts to movement.

Intervertebral discs

The 23 discs that lie between the vertebrae and act as cushions for shock absorption.

Alar Ligaments

Ligaments that limit rotation, lateral flexion, and prevent distraction of the skull from the spine.

Sternocleidomastoid

A muscle with two heads that allows for contralateral rotation and lateral flexion of the neck.

Craniovertebral Junction

The region where the skull meets the spine, primarily involving the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae.

Transverse Ligament

A ligament that stabilizes the dens and limits flexion of the atlantoaxial joint.

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

A ligament that limits hyperflexion and resists posterior herniation of discs.

Nuchal Ligament

A ligament that limits flexion and runs from the occiput to the seventh cervical vertebra (C7).

Posterior herniation of a disc

What does the posterior longitudinal ligament resist?

7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar

How many cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae are there?

Origin: 2 heads- sternum and medial 1/3 of clavicle

Insertion: Mastoid process

Action: extension and ipsilateral flexion

Origin, insertion, and action of sternocleidomastoid

Torticollis

Congenital, noted by a tilt or limited neck range of motion

Origin: TPs C2- C7

Scalenes origin and insertion

Action: Neck flexion and lateral flexion

Reverse action: elevate 1st and 2nd ribs

Scalenes action and reverse actions

Extension and ipsilateral rotation

Splenius capitis action

Nuchal ligament

Limits flexion, runs from Occiput to C7

Ligamentum flavum

Limit flexion, runs in front of SPs

Interspinous ligaments

Limit flexion, runs between each SP

50 degrees

Cervical spine ROM for flexion

60 degrees

Cervical spine ROM for extension

45 degrees

Cervical spine ROM for lateral flexion

80 degrees

Cervical spine ROM for rotation