Head, Neck, and Trunk Anatomy

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the anatomy of the head, neck, and trunk.

Axial skeleton

The part of the skeleton that consists of the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, which transfers and absorbs forces.

Lordosis

An abnormal increase in the forward curvature of the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine.

Kyphosis

An abnormal increase in the backward curvature of the thoracic spine.

Vertebral Column

A column of vertebrae extending from the skull to the coccyx, which protects the spinal cord.

Cervical Vertebrae

The first seven vertebrae in the neck (C1 to C7), supporting the skull and allowing neck movement.

Atlas (C1)

The first cervical vertebra that supports the skull and allows nodding motion.

Axis (C2)

The second cervical vertebra that allows for rotation of the head.

Spinous Process

The bony projection off the back of each vertebra that can be felt through the skin.

Intervertebral Disc

A fibrous cartilage structure that acts as a cushion between vertebrae.

Nucleus Pulposus

The inner gel-like core of an intervertebral disc.

Annulus Fibrosus

The tough outer layer of an intervertebral disc.

Facet Joint

A joint between the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae.

Longitudinal Ligaments

Ligaments that connect vertebrae along the length of the spine (anterior and posterior).

Erector Spinae

A group of muscles that extend and stabilize the spine.

Quadratus Lumborum

A muscle of the lower back involved in lateral bending and stabilization of the spine.

Scapula

The shoulder blade, which articulates with the humerus and is involved in shoulder movements.

Rib Cage

The bony framework surrounding the thoracic cavity, protecting vital organs and assisting in breathing.

Coccyx

The small, triangular bony structure at the base of the vertebral column.

Sacroiliac Joint

The joint between the sacrum and the ilium of the pelvis.

Sternum

The breastbone, which consists of three parts: manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle involved in the process of breathing.

Cervical Lordosis

The natural curvature of the cervical spine in a convex anterior direction.

Thoracic Kyphosis

The normal posterior curvature of the thoracic spine.

Lumbar Lordosis

The inward curvature of the lumbar spine.

Lateral Flexion

The bending of the trunk to the side.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles located between the ribs, involved in the breathing process.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The joint that connects the jaw to the skull, allowing for jaw movement.

Angle of the Rib

The area where the rib curves towards the vertebral column.

Pelvic Ring

The bony structure formed by the sacrum and the pelvic bones, providing support.

Spinous Process of T7

A palpable landmark located at the level of the T8 vertebral body.

Vertebra Prominens (C7)

The spinous process of C7, which is prominent and easily palpable.

Accessory Process (Lumbar)

Small bony projections on the lumbar vertebrae that serve as attachment sites.

Superior Articular Process

The component of a vertebra that articulates with the inferior articular process of the vertebra above.

Inferior Articular Process

The portion of the vertebra that articulates with the superior articular process of the vertebra below.

Cervical Flexor Muscles

Muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid and longus capitis, involved in flexing the neck.

Sternocleidomastoid Muscle

A muscle that helps flex and rotate the head.

External Abdominal Oblique

A muscle of the abdomen that aids in trunk rotation and lateral flexion.

Internal Abdominal Oblique

Muscle located in the abdomen, assisting in trunk twisting and flexing.

Rectus Abdominis

The main muscle responsible for trunk flexion in the abdominal area.

Spinal Stability

The ability of the spine to maintain its structure while allowing for movement.

Facet Joint Orientation

The alignment of facet joints that influences the movement capabilities of the spine.

Cervical Movements

Movements of the neck including flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation.

Thoracic Movements

Movements of the thoracic spine including limited flexion, extension, and rotation.

Lumbar Movements

Movements of the lumbar spine predominantly involving flexion and extension.

Temporomandibular Motions

Movements of the jaw including opening, closing, protrusion, and lateral shifts.

Nutation

A motion of the sacrum in which the top tilts forward.

Counternutation

A motion of the sacrum in which the top tilts backward.

Spondylolisthesis

The forward displacement of a vertebra in relation to the vertebra below it.

Articulating Surfaces

The areas of bones in a joint that come into contact with each other.

Interspinal Ligament

A ligament that connects adjacent spinous processes of vertebrae.

Supraspinal Ligament

A ligament that runs along the tips of the spinous processes, providing support.

Facet Orientation for Cervical Spine

Oblique around 45 degrees between transverse and frontal orientation; allows for flexion / extension, Rotation, and Lateral Flexion

Facet Orientation for Thoracic Spine

Facet joints are oriented in the coronal plane, allowing for rotation and lateral flexion while limiting flexion and extension.

Facet Orientation for Lumbar Spine

Facet joints are oriented in the sagittal plane, primarily allowing for flexion and extension while limiting rotation.

Ipsilateral Rotation

rotation or motion in general to the same side that is bending. Same side of the body

Contralateral Rotation

rotation or motion in general to the opposite side of the body.

Craniovertebral Area

Made up of the occiput, C1 and C2

Bilateral contraction

flexion or extension

unilateral contraction

sidebending or rotation