Anatomy of spine

ANATOMY OF SPINE Dr Pankaj N Surange MBBS, MD, FIPP Interventional Pain and Spine specialist

Anatomical Planes A-P X-ray of a scoliotic spine in the coronal plane. The CORONAL PLANE , also called the FRONTAL PLANE , is a vertical cut that divides the body into front and back sections. Physicians look at the coronal plane when they view an A-P (anterior-posterior) x-ray of the spine to evaluate scoliosis.

Anatomical Planes Lateral X-ray of a kyphotic spine in the sagittal plane. The SAGITTAL or MEDIAN PLANE is a vertical cut that divides the body into left and right sections. The sagittal view is seen by surgeons on a lateral x-ray of the spine.

Anatomical Planes CT Scan of a thoracic vertebra in the axial plane. The AXIAL or TRANSVERSE PLANE is a horizontal cut that divides the body into upper and lower sections. To best view the axial plane of the spine, surgeons will often obtain a CT scan with axial cuts.

Protection of
spinal cord and nerve roots
Functions of the Spine
internal organs

Flexibility of motion in six degrees of freedom
Functions of the Spine Left and Right Side Bending Flexion and Extension Left and Right Rotation

Structural support and balance for upright posture
The spine is the axle bearing the load of the head, shoulders and thorax. The upper body weight is then distributed to the lower extremities through the sacrum and pelvis.
This reduces the amount of work required by the spinal muscles and can eliminate muscle fatigue and back pain.

To achieve these functions, the spine must have:
Resistance to axial loading forces, accomplished by:
Kyphotic and lordotic sagittal plane curves
Increased mass of each vertebra from C1 to the sacrum
Elasticity accomplished by:
Alternating lordotic and kyphotic curves
Multiple MOTION SEGMENTS

The FUNCTIONAL UNIT of the spine
The Motion Segment
Composed of:
Connecting ligaments
Two adjacent vertebrae
The intervertebral disc
Two facet joints and capsules

Sagittal Plane Curves
Primary Curves
Secondary Curves

Sagittal Plane Curves Cervical Lordosis 20°- 40° Sacral Kyphosis Lumbar Lordosis 30°- 50° Thoracic Kyphosis 20°- 40°

Cervical
Upper cervical: C1-C2
Lower cervical: C3-C7
Regions of the Spine
Sacrococcygeal : 9 fused vertebrae in the sacrum and coccyx.
Thoracic : T1-T12
Lumbar : L1- L5

Line of gravity
Regions of the Spine Auricle of the ear Odontoid Body of C7 Anterior to thoracic spine Posterior to L3 Mid femoral heads

Basic Vertebral Structures Cervical Thoracic Lumbar

There are two types of bone tissue:
Cortical bone : dense, outer shell of the vertebra
Types of Bone Tissue Detail of Cortical Bone Haversian System Detail of Cancellous Bone
Cancellous bone : inner, spongy bone

Vertebral Structures Vertebral Body Pedicle Lamina Superior Articular Process Spinous Process Transverse Process Vertebral Foramen

Vertebral Structures Superior Articular Process Inferior Articular Process Zygapophyseal Joint (Facet Joint) Pars

Vertebral Structures
Pedicle notches
Slight Notch Deep Notch Intervertebral Foramen
INTERVERTEBRAL FORAMEN
through which the spinal nerve roots leave the spinal cord

Anterior Arch
Comprised of:
Vertebral body
Anterior 1/3 of the pedicles
Vertebral Arches
Posterior Arch
Comprised of:
Posterior 2/3 of the pedicles
Lamina
Processes

The Atlas (C1) Transverse Process Transverse Foramen Anterior Tubercle Articular Facet for Dens Lateral Mass Lamina Posterior Tubercle Superior Articular Facet Superior View

The Axis (C2) Odontoid Process (Dens) Body Transverse Process Inferior Articular Facet Superior Articular Facet Anterior View Posterior View Lateral Mass Spinous Process

Lower Cervical Vertebrae
C3 to C7
May be referred to as the subaxial region
Disc at every level
Vertebral structures are similar

Lower Cervical Vertebrae C3 - C7 Transverse Process Body Sulcus for Spinal Nerve Lateral Mass Lamina Pedicle Superior Articular Facet Vertebral Foramen Bifid Spinous Process Transverse Foramen Axial View

Lower Cervical Vertebrae C3 - C7 Sulcus for Spinal Nerve Uncinate Process Uncovertebral Joint (Joint of Luschka) Anterior View The vertebral bodies of the subaxial cervical spine have upward projections on the lateral margins called UNCINATE PROCESSES . These processes articulate with the level above to form the UNCOVERTEBRAL JOINT . These are also called JOINTS OF LUSCHKA .

Vertebra Prominens (C7) Spinous Process Axial View C7 is referred to as the VERTEBRA PROMINENS because it has a longer and larger spinous process than the other cervical vertebrae. This spinous process is not usually bifid.

Thoracic Vertebrae
Body - progressive increase in mass from T1 to T12
Pedicles - small diameter
Laminae - vertical, with “roof tile” arrangement
Spinous processes - long, overlapping, projected downward
Intervertebral foramen - larger, less incidence of nerve compression

Thoracic Vertebrae, T1-T12
Body - heart shaped when viewed superiorly.
Vertebral foramen - round
Pedicles - small in diameter
Spinous processes - long and projected downwards

Articular processes
Thoracic Vertebrae, T1-T12 Superior Articular Process Inferior Articular Process

Lumbar Vertebrae, L1-L5
Body - L1 to L5 progressive increase in mass
Pedicles - longer and wider than thoracic; oval shaped
Spinous processes - horizontal, square shaped
Transverse processes - smaller than in thoracic region
Intervertebral foramen - large, but with increased incidence of nerve root compression

The Sacrum Sacral Horns Sacral Ala Pedicles Dorsal Foramina Sacral Hiatus Coccyx Posterior View Inverted triangle shape

The Sacrum Coccyx Lateral View Sacral Promontory Sacral Tilt 30°-60° Sacral Canal 1 2 3 4 5 Sacral Hiatus

Intervertebral disc
Intervertebral Disc
End plate
Apophyseal ring
Cartilaginous layer
Bony layer

Fibrocartilaginous joint of the motion segment
Make up ¼ the length of the spinal column
Present at levels C2-C3 to L5-S1
Allows compressive, tensile, and rotational motion
Largest avascular structures in the body
Intervertebral Disc

Intervertebral Disc
Annulus Fibrosus
Outer portion of the disc
Lamellae
Great tensile strength
Made up of lamellae
Annulus Fibrosus
Layers of collagen fibers
Arranged obliquely 30°
Reversed contiguous layers

Intervertebral Disc
Nucleus Pulposus
Nucleus Pulposus
Inner structure
Gelatinous
High water content
Resists axial forces

Intervertebral Disc
Blood Supply
Intervertebral discs have no significant vascular structures.
They receive their blood supply by diffusion through the vertebral body endplates.
A network of vessels located centrally in the endplate allows nutrients to diffuse into the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus.

Occipitocervical Joint Occipital Condyles Foramen Magnum articulate with C1 superior facets

Atlantoaxial Joint C1 C2 Dens Zygapophyseal joints JOINT between the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2); has a range of motion in the transverse plane for rotation. The DENS of C2 acts as a pivot point for the rotation of C1. The articulating surfaces of the two vertebrae form ZYGAPOPHYSEAL (FACET) JOINTS that allow flexion-extension, side bending, and rotational movements.

The Facet Joints Also called ZYGAPOPHYSEAL JOINTS . The facet joints are formed by the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae. The inferior articular process of a vertebra articulates with the superior articular process of the vertebra below. These are synovial gliding joints Facet joints are oriented in different planes depending on their anatomic location.

Uncovertebral Joints Uncovertebral Joint The bony elevations on the superior lateral margins of the cervical vertebrae are called UNCINATE PROCESSES . The uncovertebral joints are not true joints These joints articulate with the inferior, lateral aspect of the vertebra above to form the UNCOVERTEBRAL JOINTS , also known as the JOINTS OF LUSCHKA . These are fibrous joints Uncinate Process

Costovertebral Joints The T2-T9 thoracic vertebra have facets superiorly and inferiorly at the posterior aspect of the vertebral body that form the COSTOVERTEBRAL joints. Costovertebral joints Rib Costotransverse joints Axial View In the thoracic spine, the RIBS articulate with the vertebrae at both the body and the transverse processes. At all thoracic levels there is a facet where the rib articulates with the transverse process. These are called the COSTOTRANSVERSE joints. The T1 and T10-T12 vertebral bodies have only one costal facet. Rib

Costovertebral Joints Lateral View Costovertebral joints Costotransverse joint Rib

Sacroiliac Joint Sacroiliac Ligaments Sacrum Ilium The superior lateral surface on either side of the sacrum articulates with the inner aspects of the pelvis. This area forms the capsular, synovial SACROILIAC JOINT . In some cases the sacroiliac joint is a hidden source of back pain .

Upper Cervical Ligaments
Occipitoatlantal Ligament Complex
Anterior occipitoatlantal ligament Posterior occipitoatlantal ligament Lateral occipitoatlantal ligament Anterior View

Upper Cervical Ligaments
Occipitoaxial Ligament Complex
Alar ligaments (2) Apical ligament Posterior cutaway view Occipitoaxial ligament Posterior view

Lower Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Ligaments
Extending from the axis (C2) anteriorly to the sacrum.
Is broader at the level of each vertebral body than at the level of the discs where the fibers adhere to the annulus fibrosus.
Attaches to each vertebral body superiorly and inferiorly at the levels of the end plates.
Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL)

Lower Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Ligaments Intertransverse ligaments Costal ligaments The INTERTRANSVERSE LIGAMENTS extend from the inferior surface of the entire length of the transverse process to the superior surface of the adjacent transverse process. The COSTAL LIGAMENTS connect the heads of the ribs to the vertebrae.

Lower Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Ligaments Posterior longitudinal ligament
POSTERIOR LONGITUDINAL LIGAMENT (PLL)
Is weaker than the ALL.
It runs from the axis (C2) caudally to the sacrum.
The PLL is narrow at the levels of the vertebrae, but the fibers extend laterally at the disc levels. These fibers may help to contain herniated disc material.
Like the ALL, the PLL is attached to the vertebra at the superior and inferior margins, and to the annular fibers of the intervertebral disc.

Lower Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Ligaments Interspinous ligament Ligamentum nuchae The INTERSPINOUS LIGAMENT connects each adjacent spinous process. In the cervical spine the interspinous ligament becomes part of the LIGAMENTUM NUCHAE , that extends cranially to insert into the occiput.

The SUPRASPINOUS LIGAMENT is a very strong band connecting the tips of contiguous spinous processes. It extends from C7 to the sacrum.
Lower Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Ligaments Supraspinous ligament Ligamentum nuchae Above C7 these fibers are part of the LIGAMENTUM NUCHAE.

Lower Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Ligaments Ligamentum flavum LIGAMENTUM FLAVUM Also called the YELLOW LIGAMENT Consists of elastic fibers oriented vertically that extend from the anterior inferior surface of the lamina above to the superior posterior surface of the lamina below. The ligamentum flavum tends to thicken as it progresses down the spine, beginning at the axis (C2) and extending to the sacrum.

The ILIOLUMBAR LIGAMENTS extend from the transverse processes of L4 and L5 to the iliac crest.
Lumbosacral Ligaments Iliolumbar ligaments Anterior View Posterior View

Lumbosacral Ligaments Anterior View Lumbosacral ligaments The LUMBOSACRAL LIGAMENT is a thick, fibrous band that extends from the anterior, inferior aspect of the transverse process of L5 to the lateral surface of the sacrum.

Sacroiliac Ligaments Short sacroiliac ligaments Posterior View Long sacroiliac ligaments
The SACROILIAC LIGAMENTS are as follows:
short sacroiliac ligaments: composed of horizontal fibers extending from the sacrum to the posterior part of the iliac bone
long sacroiliac ligaments: composed of fibers extending vertically from the sacrum to the posterior superior iliac spine

Posterior Spinal Muscle Groups
Iliocostalis
The superficial posterior muscles are collectively called the ERECTOR SPINAE , comprising three groups:
Longissimus
Spinalis
Erector
Spinae

semispinalis capitis
semispinalis cervicis
semispinalis thoracis
The middle, or intermediate, muscle group of the spine is called the SEMISPINALIS GROUP :

Multifidus
Intertransversarii attachments between spinous processes
Rotatores
(longus and brevis)
Rotatores cervices Rotatores thoracis Rotatores lumborum
Levatores costae (longus and brevis)
The deep muscle layer consists of the following groups:

Arteries of the Cranial and Cervical Region Foramen lacerum Vertebral artery Carotid artery Two VERTEBRAL ARTERIES , one located on each side the cervical vertebrae. These arteries are branches of the right and left subclavian vs. that exit from aorta. They ascend through the transverse foramen of C6 through C1,entering the skull through the foramen magnum where they join together to form the BASILAR ARTERY. Anterior to the cervical vertebrae are the CAROTID ARTERIES , which ascend through the FORAMEN LACERUM and join with the vertebral arteries to form the CIRCLE OF WILLIS .

Arteries of the Cranial and Cervical Region Vertebral arteries Basilar artery Circle of Willis Internal carotid arteries

Arteries of the Thoracic and Lumbosacral Regions Vertebral artery Aortic arch Ascending aorta Descending aorta Thoracic segmental arteries Abdominal aorta Bifurcation of the aorta Lumbar segmental arteries External iliac artery (left & right) Internal iliac artery (left & right) Femoral artery (left & right)

Segmental Arteries
At each vertebral level from T4 to the sacrum, a pair of SEGMENTAL ARTERIES branches posteriorly from the aorta to supply blood to the vertebral body, posterior elements, spinal cord, and costal structures.
Aorta Segmental arteries Intercostal artery Spinal branch Anterior spinal artery Posterior branch Anastomoses

Veins of the Cervical and Thoracic Region The most important venous structures in the cervical spine are the internal and external JUGULAR VEINS . The internal jugular veins follow a path similar to the carotid arteries. They should always be considered during any anterior cervical spine procedure. External jugular Anterior jugular Internal jugular

Veins of the Thoracic and Lumbar Region Internal jugular Superior vena cava Azygos vein Thoracic segmental veins Hemiazygos vein Lumbar segmental veins Inferior vena cava Common iliac veins

Batson’s Plexus The AZYGOS SYSTEM is a large network of veins draining blood from the intestines and other abdominal organs back to the heart. The segmental veins drain into the azygos vein located on the right side of the abdomen, or into the hemiazygos vein located on the left side. The azygos system also communicates with a valveless venous network known as BATSON’S PLEXUS . When the vena cava is partially or totally occluded, Batson’s plexus provides an alternate route for blood return to the heart. The vessels of Batson’s plexus may be referred to as epidural veins Batson’s plexus

Batson’s Plexus Because of the azygos system, patient positioning is very important in posterior lumbar spine surgery. The patient’s abdomen should always hang free and without abdominal pressure. An increase in pressure will diminish flow through the azygos system and the vena cava. This results in an increase of venous flow into Batson’s plexus with a corresponding increase of blood loss . Batson’s plexus

Spinal Nerve Structures
Spinal Cord
Contained in epidural space
Network of sensory and motor nerves
Firm, cord-like structure
Foramen magnum
Extends from foramen magnum to L1
Terminates at the conus medularis
The cauda equina begins below L1
Filum terminale extends from conus medularis to the coccyx
Conus medularis Cauda equina

Meninges Dura mater Subdural space Arachnoid layer Subarachnoid space: filled with CSF Pia mater Within the spinal canal, the spinal cord is surrounded by the EPIDURAL SPACE, filled with fatty tissue, veins, and arteries. The fatty tissue acts as a shock absorber. The spinal cord is covered by MENINGES which has three layers.

Spinal Nerve Topography
31 pairs of spinal nerves
8 cervical
12 thoracic
5 lumbar
6 sacrococcygeal

Spinal Nerves Spinal cord Epidural space Dura mater and Arachnoid layers Subarachnoid space Dorsal root Ventral root Dorsal root ganglion Peripheral nerve

Autonomic Nervous System Independent of voluntary control. Controls glandular and cardiac function and smooth muscle such as that found in the digestive tract. There are two components: sympathetic parasympathetic The control centers of both systems are located outside the spinal cord in structures called GANGLIA .

Autonomic Nervous System The SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM consists of a series of ganglia extending from the skull to the coccyx, lying on each side of the vertebral bodies. These aligned ganglia look like a chain at each side of the spine and are often referred to as the sympathetic nerve chain. Injury to the sympathetic nerve chain in the lumbar spine may result in genitourinary problems for the patient . Each sympathetic ganglion has fibers that join to the adjacent spinal nerve. The PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM has ganglia located close to the organs they control.

Thank You!

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Anatomy of spine

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Anatomy of spine Presentation Transcript