M1 Reading Guide 3

Question 1

What fascia plays an important functional role in mechanical stability of the low back, including the SI joint?

Answer 1

thoracolumbar fascia

Question 2

The thoracolumbar fascia is most extensive here

Answer 2

lumbar region

Question 3

layers of the thoracolumbar fascia

Answer 3

3: anterior, middle, posterior layers

Question 4

What do the layers of thoracolumbar fascia do?

Answer 4

partly surround and compartmentalize the posterior muscles of the low back

Question 5

Where are the anterior and middle layers of the thoracolumbar fascia anchored?

Answer 5

• medially to transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae

- inferiorly to iliac crests

Question 6

What does the posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia cover?

Answer 6

• posterior surface of erector spinae

- latissimus dorsi

Question 7

Where does the posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia anchor?

Answer 7

• spinous processes of all lumbar vertebrae and sacrum

- ilium near the PSIS

Question 8

thoracolumbar fascia: posterior attachments provide

Answer 8

mechanical stability to the SAJ

Question 9

thoracolumbar fascia: Where do the posterior and middle layers fuse?

Answer 9

at lateral margins

Question 10

Fusion of the thoracolumbar fascia at the lateral margins produces a:

Answer 10

lateral raphe

Question 11

Fusion of the thoracolumbar fascia: lateral raphe blends with fascia of the:

Answer 11

• transverse abdominus

- obliquus internus abdominus

Question 12

What is the location of the TrA relative to the other abdominals?

Answer 12

most internal (deepest) muscle of the abs

Question 13

What is the functional advantage of the broad attachments of the TrA?

Answer 13

• increases segmental stiffness
• motor control of the “neutral zone”
• stabilizes the spine (like a corset)

Question 14

What are the anterior components of a vertebral segment?

Answer 14

• vertebral body
• interbody joint
• disc

Question 15

What types of bone make up the vertebral body?

Answer 15

• cortical bone

- trabecular bone

Question 16

cortical bone

Answer 16

• withstand greater stress

- surrounds cancellous bone

Question 17

trabecular bone: withstands

Answer 17

compression

Question 18

What is the interbody joint?

Answer 18

bonds disc and bone

Question 19

What is the function of the disc?

Answer 19

• shock absorption

- spacer

Question 20

Which structure bridges the anterior and posterior elements of the vertebra?

Answer 20

pedicles

Question 21

What are the posterior elements of the vertebra?

Answer 21

• spinous process
• lamina
• transverse process
• mammillary processes
• articular facets
• pars interarticularis

Question 22

What is the function of the lamina?

Answer 22

protects posterior aspect of the SC

Question 23

What is the function of the mammillary processes?

Answer 23

attachment points for the multifidus

Question 24

Articular facets: costocorporeal joints

Answer 24

• costal facets on body

- attachment sites for heads of ribs

Question 25

Articular facets: costotransverse joints

Answer 25

- costal facets on transverse processes | - attachments for articular tubercle of ribs

Question 26

What is the pars interarticularis?

Answer 26

bridge between superior and inferior facets

Question 27

What does the pars interarticularis help to resist?

Answer 27

shear forces