PKL - Your Anatomy

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Your Anatomy

Cervical Spine (CS or neck): The CS consists of seven vertebrae and allow for all movement of the head. Of the spine, the cervical vertebrae are the smallest and most mobile. All vertebrae have one spinous and two transverse processes. The 7th cervical spinous process actually protrudes out when you look down. The transverse processes are on the sides of the vertebrae. Both spinous and transverse processes are points in which muscles and ligaments attach. The vertebrae glide and rotate on one another during all movements of the neck and head. There are discs in between each vertebra, which allow for shock absorption and fluid gliding of the vertebrae on one another. There are many arteries and spinal nerves that run along the spinal column. Therefore, many times, a structural problem of the vertebrae or discs may affect the surrounding nerves, arteries and muscles. All of the nerves that enter and control movement of the upper extremities are cervical nerves. Any disruption of these nerves may cause numbness, muscular weakness or paralyses in the upper extremities.

Thoracic Spine (TS or mid back): The TS is directly below the cervical spine and consists of twelve vertebrae. The TS vertebrae are slightly larger and look different from the cervical vertebrae. The spinous processes (bony protrusions on the back of the vertebrae) are pointed more downward than backwards. The ribs (excepts for ribs 11 & 12) attach to the thoracic transverse processes (bony protrusions that are on the sides of the vertebrae) and rotate slightly with the raising and depressing of the rib cage during breathing. Most of the rotation of the mid to lower back comes from the TS. Like the cervical and lumbar spines, the vertebrae glide and rotate on one another to allow for bending, twisting, arching and side bending of the spine. There are discs in between each vertebra, which allow for shock absorption and fluid gliding of the vertebrae on one another. There are many arteries and spinal nerves that run along the spinal column. Therefore, many times, a structural problem of the vertebrae or discs may affect the surrounding nerves, arteries and muscles, and in the case of the TS, the ribs, possibly limiting breathing function.

Lumbar Spine (LS or low back): The lumbar spine is the below the thoracic spine and consists of five large wide vertebrae. The spinous and transverse processes (bony protrusions on the back and sides of the vertebrae, are shorter and thicker to handle the load of the entire spinal column. Many muscles and ligaments attach to the spinous and transverse processes. The lumbar vertebrae have discs in between them to allow for shock absorption. These vertebrae glide and rotate on one another to allow for bending, arching, twisting and side bending of the LS. There are many arteries and spinal nerves that run along the spinal column. Therefore, many times, a structural problem of the vertebrae or discs may affect the surrounding nerves, arteries and muscles. All of the nerves that enter the lower extremities originate in the LS. Any injury or disruption to these nerves will likely cause numbness, muscle weakness or paralyses in the lower extremities.

Shoulder: There are actually 4 joints that make up the shoulder complex. Bones consist of the Humerus (arm bone); Scapula (shoulder blade); Sternum and Clavicle (collar bone). This ball and socket joint is known for allowing for great amounts for mobility but not a great deal of stability. Many muscles and ligaments help secure the shoulder joint. Our detailed evaluation will determine which muscles ligaments or bones may be the cause of your pain or functional limitations.

Elbow: There are actually 2 joints that make up the elbow. The elbow and knee are similar in motion since they are both “hinge” joints allowing for bending and straightening of the joints. Bones consist of the Humerus (arm bone), the Ulna and the Radius (forearm bones). The elbow has many muscles and ligaments that help to secure this joint and prevent injuries. Nerves from the cervical spine travel down past the elbow to the wrist and hand. Different sources of pain and limitation at the elbow and forearm will be revealed during our detailed physical therapy evaluation.

Wrist / Hand: There are several joints that make up the wrist and hand. Small bones called the Carpal bones join with the forearm bones (Radius & Ulna) to make up the wrist joint. Carpal bones then join with the Metacarpals and Phalanges (finger bones). There are small groups of muscles just for the thumb and pinky specifically. These muscles, along with muscles that attach from the elbow down to the fingertips allow for amazing maneuverability and dexterity of the human hand. Control of the wrist and hand rely heavily on the muscles, ligaments, nerves and bones that surround these joints. Our physical therapist will determine exactly what the source of pain and limitation is at the wrist and hand.

Hip: The hip is known for having a great deal of stability but limited mobility in relation to the other ball and socket joint, the shoulder. The Ilium, Ischium and Pubic bones join together to form the hip socket, which attaches to the Femur (thigh bone). Along with bones, numerous muscles, nerves and ligaments, the hip is the stable base of the lower extremity. Many times, problems at the hip present with pain at the lower back the hip attaches to the lowest aspect of the spine. A full evaluation by our physical therapist will determine what exactly is the causative factor behind your pain or functional limitations.

Knee: 2 joints actually make up the knee complex. Bones include the Patella (knee cap), the Femur (thigh bone) and Tibia (shin bone). With the help of the Menisci, the knee is the major shock absorber for the lower extremity. Ligaments such as the ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL help to achieve stability at the knee joint. Major muscle groups, ligaments and bones of the knee joint help to keep the knee stabilized and mobile. Our physical therapists will determine the exact cause of pain and limitation during your evaluation.

Ankle / Foot Complex: The ankle and foot allows for amazing maneuverability on unstable surfaces and is the base for our stability. Lack of stability at the ankle & foot may cause injury at other lower extremity joints. The Tibia (shin bone) and Fibula (outer leg bone) form the ankle joint with the Talus bone. The ankle and wrist are quite similar in body makeup and movements. The ankle joint joins with small Tarsal bones to form the ankle & foot complex. Like the Carpal bones in the hand, the Tarsal bones in the foot join with the Metatarsals and Phalanges to make up the toes. Control of the ankle and foot rely on the muscles from the lower leg and the four layers of muscles under the foot. Our physical therapist will determine exactly what the source of pain and limitation is at the ankle and foot.

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