Exam 2 Thoracic Spine Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Exam 2 Thoracic Spine Deck (48)
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1
Q

T/F: the thoracic spine is a transition area between the cervical and lumbar areas, is designed for rigidity and protection of the thoracic viscera, and is the least mobile region of the spinal column.

A

True

2
Q

What additional articulations make the thoracic vertebrae unique?

A

rib articulations

3
Q

T/F: the thoracic spine is especially prone to chornic postural problems and myofascial pain syndromes.

A

True

4
Q

Which vertebrae does the sympathetic trunk lie on?

A

T1-L2

5
Q

T/F: biomechanical changes to the thoracic spine may result in effects to the sympatheti nervous system.

A

True (T1-L2)

6
Q

T/F: Thoracic spinous processes are short and thin.

A

False; long and slender

7
Q

T/f: Thoracic spinous processes limit extension.

A

True

8
Q

In which region of the thoracic spine do the spinous processes typically overlap?

A

midthoraacic

9
Q

T/F: the TVPs of thoracic vertebrae generally have a convex facet on the anterior side.

A

False; concave facet on anterior side

10
Q

What is the facet angle orientation on average in the thoracics?

A

60 degrees from the horizontal plane and 20 degrees from the frontal plane (Y axis rotation)

11
Q

T/F: Thoracic facets are oriented at a relatively steep angle.

A

True

12
Q

T/F: Thoracic IVDs have a greater disc-to-height ratio than cervical IVDs.

A

False; thoracics have smallest ratio of the spine (disc to body height ratio) This low ratio contributes to the lack of flexibility

13
Q

T/F: The nucleus is more centrally located within the annulus of the thoracics than the other regions of the spine.

A

True

14
Q

What is the average angle of thoracic kyphosis in a healthy spine?

A

45 degrees (range of 20-50)

15
Q

T/F: a thoracic kyphotic curve of greater than 55 degrees is considered hypokyphotic.

A

False; hyperkyphotic

16
Q

What anatomy is most responsile for maintaining the primary, structural curve of the thoracic spine?

A

wedge-shaped vertebral bodies

17
Q

Where is the apex of the thoracic curve?

A

T6-T7

18
Q

Alterations in the primary thoracic curve are often associated with chronic stretch of which muscles?

A

trapezius, posterior back, and neck muscles

19
Q

Juvenile kyphosis and osteoporosis can result in an increased thoracic kyphosis. What is the other name for Juvenile kyphosis?

A

Scheuerman’s disease

20
Q

How does increasing the thoracic kyposis interfere with normal physiologicl functioning? Think generally.

A

crowds thoracic viscera

21
Q

What motion is most limited in the thoracic spine?

A

extension (impaction of articular and spinous processes)

22
Q

T/F: Both flexion and extension are restricted in the thoracic spine.

A

True

23
Q

What segments of the thoracic spine have the greatest combined flexion/extension?

A

T10-L1 (Especially T11-L1)

slide 11

24
Q

What movement is coupled with thetaX in the thoracics?

A

slight +/- Z translation

25
Q

Which area of the thoracic spine has the greates range of lateral bending (thetaZ)?

A

T11-T12

26
Q

T/F: The greatest range of axial rotation in the thoracic spine exists in the lower thoracics (T9-T12).

A

False; unlike lateral bend and flexion/extension, the upper thoracic exhibit the greatest axial rotation.

27
Q

Where in the thoracic spine is the greatest rotation observed while walking?

A

middle thoracics

28
Q

T/F: ThetaZ is always coupled with ThetaY in the thoracic spine, especially in the upper thoracics.

A

True; lateral bending and axial rotation are coupled in thoracics

29
Q

T/F: During lateral bending (in the thoracics) the spinous processes will go to the contralateral side just like in the cervicals.

A

False; contralateral in T1-T4
contralateral OR ipsilateral in T5-T8
ipsilateral in T9-T12 (like lumbars)

30
Q

Does the rib cage add to the spinal stability or is it just for protecting vital organs?

A

rib cage plays a significant role in stabilization

31
Q

During what motion does the rib cage (with sternum) offer the most support to the spinal column?

A

extension (-thetaX)

32
Q

T/F: The rib cage increases Y axis stability x10.

A

False; x4

33
Q

What two groups can the rib articulations be divided into?

A

costovertebral joints and costotransverse joints

34
Q

What type of joint connects the heads of the ribs to the vertebrae? What type of joint connects the necks and tubercles of the ribs to the vertebrae?

A

costovertebral joints;

costotransverse (connects to TVPs)

35
Q

Which ribs articulate with only a single vertebrae rather than two adjacent vertebral bodies?

A

1, 10, 11, and 12

36
Q

Which ribs do not have costotransverse articulations?

A

11 and 12

37
Q

T/F: Both costovertebral and costotransverse joints are each tightly secured by ligaments and both are true synovial joints.

A

True

38
Q

T/F: Costotransverse joints are surrounded by a joint capsule and are prone to the same pathologic conditions as other synovial joints, including subluxation.

A

True

39
Q

Which ribs connect to the sternum directly? via the costocartilage? which are free floating?

A

1-7;
8-10;
11-12

40
Q

T/F: Ribs move with the thoracic spine during lateral flexion, flexion, and extension.

A

True

41
Q

What vertebrae are considered part of the Thoracocervical Junction?

A

C6-T3

42
Q

T/F: lateral flexion is coupled with ipsilateral rotation in the thoracics just like in the cervicals.

A

True

43
Q

What area is structurally and functionally related to the neurovascular structures of the upper extremities, because this area forms the thoracic outlet?

A

Thoracocervical Junction (C6-T3)

44
Q

Because of the presence of certain muscles, unique characteristic distribution of body fat, and general structural characteristics for transition, what area has been deemed a “difficult area to adjust?”

A

thoracocervical junction (C6-T3)

45
Q

What vertebrae are part of the Thoracolumbar Junction?

A

T10-L1

46
Q

What is the most significant structural characteristic of the thoracolumbar junction?

A

the change from the coronal facet plane in the T-spine to the sagittal plane facets in the L-spine

47
Q

Where does the facet transition of the thoracolumbar junction typically occur?

A

T11-T12 but can occur anywhere from T10-L1

48
Q

T/F: Dysfunction within the lower T-spine may refer pain to the posterolateral buttock, posterior iliac crest, and groin area, accounting for up to as high as 60% of chronic and acute back pain.

A

True (according to Maigne)