Vertebral Column: Anatomy
Overview Definition The vertebral column is the primary axis of the skeleton: The vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae placed in series and connected by intervertebral discs and ligaments. Regions of the vertebral column Five different groups of vertebrae: Number of vertebrae per segment: Table: Vertebral column regions and their primary characteristics Vertebrae Characteristics Cervical […]
Meninges: Anatomy
Layers of the Meninges The meninges are layers of connective tissue that protect the brain and spinal cord. The meninges consist of 3 layers of connective tissue, with potential spaces between them: Table: Layers of the meninges from superficial to deep Layer Origin Characteristics Epidural space NA Potential space between the dura mater and skull/vertebral […]
Carotid Arterial System: Anatomy
Common Carotid Artery The common carotid artery has different origins on either side of the body: The common carotid artery bifurcates at the level of the thyroid cartilage (C4 vertebra) into: Carotid body: Carotid sinus: Table: Spatial relations of the common carotid artery Thoracic part (left) Lower neck (both) Higher neck (both) Anterior Sternohyoid and […]
Muscles of the Back: Anatomy
Overview Extrinsic back muscles: Intrinsic back muscles: Table: Muscle groups of the back Group Layer Function Extrinsic muscles of the back Superficial layer: Trapezius Latissimus dorsi Rhomboid major Rhomboid minor Levator scapulae Trapezius: movements of the scapula, stabilizes the spine Latissimus dorsi: adducts and internally rotates the arm Rhomboids: retract the scapula Levator scapula: elevates […]
Knee Joint: Anatomy
Bony Structure of the Knee Femur Tibia Patella Joints of the Knee Tibiofemoral joint The knee is a modified hinge joint; a double condyloid articulation. Although the motions of the knee are primarily flexion and extension, it has a complex movement pattern consisting of 6 degrees of motion during dynamic activities: Patellofemoral joint Proximal tibiofibular […]
Jaw and Temporomandibular Joint: Anatomy
Development The pharyngeal arches are embryonic structures that serve as precursors for many structures of the face, neck, and head. The arches are composed of mesoderm and neural crest cells and are accompanied externally by ectoderm and internally by endoderm. Bones of the Jaw The jaw consists of 3 bones: the maxilla, the mandible, and […]
Trachea: Anatomy
Development The trachea develops as part of the tracheobronchial tree by budding off of the foregut of the embryonic gut tube. Gross Anatomy General characteristics Spatial relations Microscopic Anatomy The tracheal wall consists of 4 layers: Neurovasculature Blood supply Innervation Clinical Relevance The following conditions of various origins can affect the trachea: References
Larynx: Anatomy
Development and Gross Anatomy Development Gross anatomy The larynx is a framework composed mainly of cartilages held together by muscles and ligaments, both of which are divided into intrinsic and extrinsic forms. Table: Gross anatomy Cartilage Unpaired Epiglottis Cricoid Thyroid Paired Arytenoid Corniculate Cuneiform Ligaments Extrinsic Thyrohyoid membrane Hyoepiglottic ligament Intrinsic Cricothyroid ligament (also called […]
Lungs: Anatomy
Development Development of the tracheobronchial tree and lungs occurs in 5 stages. The tracheobronchial tree originates from the foregut of the embryonic gut tube, beginning at week 4 of gestation and ending in childhood. Table: Development of the tracheobronchial tree and lungs, and clinical relevance Stage Description Clinical relevance Embryonic period Occurs during weeks 4–7 […]
Bronchial Tree: Anatomy
Development The development of the tracheobronchial tree and lungs occurs in 5 stages. The tracheobronchial tree and lungs originate from the foregut of the embryonic gut tube, beginning at week 4 of gestation and ending in childhood. Table: Development of the tracheobronchial tree and lungs and clinical relevance Stage Description Clinical relevance Embryonic period Occurs […]