Anatomy and Function of Spine

Jun 28, 2024

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Anatomy and Function of the Spine

Spine Structure and Motion

General Motion

  • Neck and Spine Motion: Limited individual motion, but combined allows for significant range of motion.
  • Curvature Benefit: Provides about 10x more strength compared to a straight spine; helps absorb shock from the head and gait while walking.

Vertebrae Structure

  • Basic Parts:
    • Body
    • Spinous Process: Located at the back
    • Transverse Processes: Located at the sides
  • Joints and Facets:
    • Superior and Inferior Articular Processes: Form facet joints with adjacent vertebrae
    • Intervertebral Disc: Absorbs shock and maintains flexibility; makes up 25% of the column length.
  • Herniated Disc: Common at L4/L5; can compress the spinal cord causing nerve symptoms.

Cervical Spine (C-Spine)

  • Seven Cervical Vertebrae: Smallest vertebrae with foramina in the transverse processes for arteries.
  • C1 (Atlas): No vertebral body; allows head flexion and extension.
  • C2 (Axis): Has a 'dens' for rotational movement; serves as a pivot for C1.
  • C7: Easily palpable when the neck is bent over.
  • Motion Allowed: Flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending.

Thoracic Spine (T-Spine)

  • Joint with Rib: Forms costa-facet joints; very limited range of motion.
  • Structure: Larger spinous process limits movement; more stable and fewer injuries occur compared to lumbar spine.

Lumbar Spine (L-Spine)

  • Greater Mobility: Shorter spinous processes with larger spaces between vertebrae.
  • Common Injury Site: Most often injured region of the spine.
  • Joint with Sacrum: L5 forms a joint with the sacrum; common site for disc herniations.

Ligaments

  • Function: Surround and protect the spinal cord, strengthen the spine.
  • Types: Anterior and posterior ligaments connecting transverse and spinous processes.

Muscle Movements

  • Neck Movements: Flexion, extension, lateral flexion (bending), rotation, cervical retraction, and protraction.
  • Trunk Movements: Flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation.

The lecture provides a detailed description of the anatomical structure, motion, and common issues related to different sections of the spine, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. It also highlights the importance of ligaments in stabilizing and protecting the spine and explains the muscle movements associated with the neck and trunk.