Anatomy Exam Study Notes

Exam Overview

• Approximately 44 questions expected, around 50 total points.
• Study muscles and ligaments carefully.
• Understand anatomical drawings of arteries and nerves.
• Ensure you're comfortable with material in preparation for the exam.
• Anatomy lab exam scheduled for this week.

Muscle Highlight: Platysma

• Know its location and basic function; primarily in stabilization of the cervical region, facilitating neck movements.

Scalenes Muscles

• Located in the cervical region.
• Function: Stabilization of the cervical spine, lateral flexion/side bending of the head.

Psoas Major

• Part of iliopsoas (paired with iliacus); primary hip flexor.
• Importance in pelvic movements: Anterior pelvic tilt, affecting lumbar lordosis.

Erector Spinae Muscle Group

• Major subdivisions: Iliocostalis, Longissimus, Spinalis, Sacral Spinalis.
• Function: Opposes rectus femoris; involved in extension and lateral flexion of the back.
• Function as stabilizers and dynamic movers of the vertebral column.

Semispinalis Muscles

• Located in the back of the neck and upper back; similar function to the erector spinae, aiding in extension and ipsilateral rotation.

Quadratus Lumborum (QL)

• A deep lower back muscle; critical for lateral flexion and stabilization of the lumbar region.
• Often related to low back pain.

Rib Anatomy

• 12 ribs categorized: 1-7 (true ribs), 8-12 (false ribs, 11-12 are floating).
• Function: Protect vital organs, assist in respiration, and stabilize spinal alignment.

Sternum Anatomy

• Comprises manubrium, body, xiphoid process.
• Care required during CPR to avoid injury to the xiphoid process.
• Connections exist at the rib facets facilitating articulation with vertebrae.

Valves and Joints of the Ribs

• Costochondral and sternocostal joints define rib articulation points.
• True ribs connect rigidly to sternum; false ribs rely on cartilaginous connections.

Movement Mechanics in Exercise

• Understand movements during push-ups (e.g., horizontal adduction at the shoulder, scapula protraction).
• Identify muscle actions like extension at elbow (concentric contraction via triceps).

Flow of Blood Through Heart

• Heart parts: Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle.
• Blood flow:
• From body to Right Atrium via Superior/Inferior Vena Cava.
• To Right Ventricle via Tricuspid Valve.
• To Lungs via Pulmonary Semilunar Valve.
• Back to Left Atrium from Lungs.
• To Left Ventricle via Bicuspid Valve.
• Out to body via Aortic Valve.

Aortic Anatomy

• Ascending aorta, arch of aorta (with three main branches):
• Brachiocephalic trunk (supplies right carotid and subclavian arteries).
• Left common carotid artery.
• Left subclavian artery.
• Understand anatomical locations relative to carotid pulse and landmarks.

Study Tips

• Use diagrams and visuals to understand anatomical structures and flows effectively.
• Practice tracing blood flow through the heart and anatomical features, leading to a deeper understanding in more complex scenarios and images.