Muscles of Respiration

Anterior scalene

  • Originates on the transverse processes of C3-C7
  • Inserts on the superior surface of the first rib.
  • Elevates the first rib during forced inhalation, or, when the rib is fixed, flexes the neck (moves the head closer to the chest or shoulder).

Middle scalene

  • Originates on the transverse processes of C2-C7.
  • Inserts with the anterior scalene on the first rib.
  • Elevates the first rib and flexes the neck.

Posterior scalene

  • Originates on the transverse processes of C4-C6.
  • Inserts on the second rib.
  • Elevates rib 2; when this rib is fixed, it flexes the neck.

Diaphragm

  • Originates on the inferior internal surface of the sternum, costal cartilages of ribs 6-12, and the lumbar vertebrae L1-L3.
  • Inserts into the central tendon.
  • Expands the thoracic cavity to decrease intrapulmonary pressure and induce inspiration (inhalation).

Three layers of intercostal muscles:

External intercostals

  • Originate on the inferior border of the ribs.
  • Insert into the superior border of the ribs below.
  • Elevate the ribs during inhalation.

Internal and innermost intercostals

  • Originate on the superior border of the ribs.
  • Insert into the inferior border of the ribs above.
  • Depress ribs during forced exhalation (normal exhalation requires no active effort).

Transversus thoracis

  • Originates on the posterior surface of the sternum (body and xiphoid process).
  • Inserts into the internal surfaces of ribs 2-6.
  • Depresses ribs during exhalation.

Vertebral Column

Vertebral column (aka, spinal column, aka, spine)

  • It encloses and protects the spinal cord.
  • It provides attachment sites for muscles of the head, neck, and trunk.
  • The individual vertebrae are named according to their region and vertical order. For example, T1 is the first vertebra of the thoracic region.
  • The S- shaped curve of the vertebral column facilitate its flexibility and resilience.

Regions of the Vertebral Column:

Cervical

  • 7 vertebrae within the neck.
  • C1 and C2 have unique anatomical features to support the skull.
  • Small bodies.
  • Transverse foramen for vertebral arteries.
  • Spinous processes of cervical vertebrae 2-6 are bifid (aka, bifurcated).

Thoracic

  • 12 vertebrae that articulate with ribs to form posterior wall of thoracic cage.
  • Bodies have costal facets for articulations with the ribs.
  • Spinous processes are typically longer and angled inferiorly.
  • Transverse processes have costal facets for articulation with ribs.

Lumbar

  • 5 vertebrae of the lower back.
  • Large bodies.
  • Spinous processes are typically short, and more horizontally oriented.
  • Short transverse processes.

Sacral/Coccygeal

  • 5 fused sacral bones.
  • 3-4 fused coccygeal bones.
  • Contribute to posterior wall of the pelvis.

General Features of Vertebrae:

Vertebral body (aka, centrum)

  • The disc-shaped weight-bearing portion of the vertebra.

Vertebral (aka, neural) arch

  • Pedicles
  • Laminae
  • Transverse processes
  • Spinous process
  • Superior and inferior articular processes for articulation with vertebrae above and below

Vertebral foramen

  • Space between body and arch
  • When stacked, vertebral foramina create vertebral canal, through which spinal cord passes

Intervertebral foramen

  • Where spinal nerves pass through vertebral column laterally

Intervertebral disc

  • Absorbs shock and acts as a cushion between the vertebrae, and allows for spinal flexibility.
  • It comprises:
    • The nucleus pulposus, which is an inner gelatinous substance
    • The anulus fibrosus is the outer ring of collagen and cartilage that encloses the nucleus pulposus

Clinical correlations:

  • Distorted spinal curvatures can be caused by poor posture, aging, disease, and other factors.
  • Scoliosis, which is a common curvature abnormality, is characterized by a lateral curvature of the vertebral column.
  • Herniated intervertebral discs are common; they occur when a fissure in the annulus fibrosus allows the nucleus pulposus to bulge and compress nearby nerves, which can cause deficits and pain.

Vertebral Column & Back Musculature: Intermediate Back

Deeper layer =

Erector spinae, from medial to lateral:

  • Spinalis, Longissimus, and Iliocostalis.

Spinalis:

  • Originates on the thoracic vertebrae and the first two lumbar vertebrae (specifically¬, from their spinous processes).
  • Inserts along the vertebral column as superiorly as the 2nd and 3rd cervical vertebrae. It sometimes has a cervical portion that inserts on the base of the skull.

Longissimus:

  • Originates on the transverse processes of the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical vertebrae
  • Inserts along the ribs and vertebral column (as superiorly as C2).
  • It also sends a portion of muscle to attach to the mastoid processes on the skull.

Iliocostalis:

  • Originates on the sacrum and ilia.
  • Inserts along the ribs and vertebral column as superiorly as cervical vertebrae 4-7.

Additional information about the erector spinae:

  • These muscles comprise many short segments of muscle fibers.
  • The erector spinae muscles are prone to injury as a result of improper heavy lifting.
  • When contracted bilaterally, the erector spinae muscles extend the back;
    Unilateral contraction produces lateral flexion of the back (moves the shoulder towards the lateral hip of the same side).
  • The erector spinae muscles can be further subdivided according to vertical region:
    For example, the portion of iliocostalis that lies within the lumbar region is referred to as iliocostalis lumborum; the portion of spinalis that lies with the thoracic region is referred to as spinalis thoracis, and so on.

Superficial layer =

Serratus posterior superior:

  • Originates on vertebrae C7-T3 (specifically, from their spinous processes and associated connective tissues), extends inferolaterally
  • Inserts as thin strips of muscle, on ribs 2-5, lateral to the erector spinae.
  • Elevates ribs 2-5 during forced inspiration.

Serratus posterior inferior:

  • Originates on vertebrae T12-L3
  • Inserts superolaterally on ribs 9-12 (specifically, to their inferior borders).
  • Depresses ribs 9-12 during forced expiration.
  • Serratus posterior superior and inferior muscles are mirror images of each other.
  • The thoracolumbar fascia separates the erector spinae and serratus posterior superior and inferior muscles.

Vertebral Column & Back Musculature: Superficial Back

Key points:

  • The superficial muscles of the back stabilize and also move the pectoral girdle and humerus.
  • The muscles of the superficial back are symmetrically paired, and trapezius lies superficially over the others.

Trapezius:

  • Originates on the skull (the external occipital protuberance, superior nuchal line) and the spines and connective tissues of C7-T12.
  • Inserts on the lateral 1/3rd of the clavicle, and on the spine and acromion of the scapula.
  • Because the fibers of trapezius are convergent, trapezius adducts, rotates, elevates, or depresses the scapula, depending on which fibers contract.

Levator scapulae:

  • Originates on the transverse processes of vertebrae C1-C4.
  • Inserts on the medial border of the scapula.
  • It elevates and rotates the scapula.

Rhomboid minor:

  • Originates on the spines of vertebrae C7-T1.
  • Inserts on the scapula at the medial border, adjacent to its spine.
  • It adducts the scapula.

Rhomboid major

  • Originates on the spines of vertebrae T2-T5
  • Inserts on the medial border of the scapula.
  • It adducts the scapula.

Latissimus dorsi

  • Originates on the spines of vertebrae T7-T12, the thoracolumbar fascia (which overlies the lumbar vertebrae and sacrum), ribs 9-12, and the iliac crest (of the ilium).
  • Inserts on the floor of the bicipital groove of the humerus.
  • Adducts, extends, and medially rotates the humerus, and also depresses the scapula.

Mastication

Muscles of mastication are involved in chewing.

Temporalis:

  • Originates on the temporal fossa of the temporal bone and inserts on the coronoid process and anterior ramus of the mandible; it elevates and retracts the mandible.

Masseter:

  • Originates on the zygomatic bone and arch and inserts on the angle and lateral ramus of the mandible, which it elevates.

Medial pterygoid has two heads:

  • The deep head originates on the medial aspect of the lateral pterygoid process of the sphenoid and inserts on the medial surface of the angle and ramus of the mandible.
  • The superficial head originates on the tuberosity of the maxilla and inserts with the deep head on the mandibular angle.
  • The medial pterygoid elevates the mandible and moves it laterally.

The lateral pterygoid also has two heads:

  • The upper head originates from the infratemporal fossa of the sphenoid and inserts on the temporomandibular joint capsule and mandible.
  • The lower head originates from the lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate and inserts with the upper head.
  • The lateral pterygoid protrudes the mandible and moves it laterally.

Movements of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint:

  • Protrusion moves the mandible anteriorly; the lateral pterygoid muscles produce this movement.
  • Retraction moves the mandible posteriorly; the masseter produces this movement.
  • Elevation moves the mandible superiorly towards the upper teeth; temporalis, masseter, and the medial pterygoid produce this movement.
  • Depression moves the mandible inferiorly.

Cheeks and Mouth

Orbicularis oris:

  • Originates on the skin and other muscles around the mouth and inserts into the skin of the lips; it closes the lips.

Zygomaticus major:

  • Originates on the lateral side of the zygomatic bone and inserts into the angle of the mouth; it draws the corner (aka, angle) of the lips laterally and superiorly.

Zygomaticus minor:

  • Originates on the anterior aspect of the zygomatic bone and inserts into the skin of the upper lip, which it elevates.

Levator labii superioris:

  • Originates on the maxilla (specifically, from the infraorbital margin), and inserts into the skin of the upper lip, which it elevates; it also dilates (flares) the nostrils.

Buccinator:

  • Originates on the surfaces of the maxilla and mandible, and inserts into the lips; it compresses the cheeks.

Risorius:

  • Originates on connective tissues on the lateral sides of the face and the skin of the cheeks and inserts into the angle of the mouth; it retracts the lips at the angle of the mouth.

Mentalis:

  • Originates on the body of the mandible and inserts into the skin of the chin and lower lip, which it elevates and protrudes.

Depressor labii inferioris:

  • Originates on the mandible (specifically, from the anterolateral body) and inserts into the skin of the lower lip, which it depresses.

Additional Information:

  • These muscles blend into one another
  • Cranial nerve VII innervates them.

Scalp, Eyes, Nose

Nasalis:

  • Originates on the maxilla and inserts on the nasal cartilage at the midline; it flares the nostrils.

Corrugator supercilii muscles:

  • Originates on the frontal bone (specifically, from the medial supraorbital margin) and insert on the medial half of the eyebrows and laterally on the supraorbital margin on the frontal bone; they depress the eyebrows (and pull them medially).

Orbicularis oculi:

  • Originates on the medial margin of the orbit (specifically, from the maxillary, frontal, and lacrimal bones), and inserts into the rim and skin of the orbit and eyelids; it moves the eyelids and surrounding skin to squint and close the eyes.

Frontalis:

  • Originates on the frontal bone and skin of the eyebrows, and inserts into the galea aponeurotica (aka, the epicranial aponeurosis); it elevates the eyebrows, which wrinkles the forehead horizontally.

Additional Information:

  • Cranial nerve VII (the facial nerve) innervates these muscles.
  • Bell’s palsy occurs when CN VII is damaged; Belly’s palsy results in asymmetrical paralysis of the muscles of facial expression.

Inferior Skull

KEY DEFINITIONS

  • Foramina are holes that allow neurovascular structures to pass through the bone.
  • Processes serve as muscle attachment sites.

Maxilla:

  • Palatine process
    • Portion of the maxilla that extends posteriorly, towards the palatine.
  • Incisive foramen
    • A small opening for neurovascular structures; its name reflects its location posterior to the incisors (the front teeth).
    • The nasopalatine nerve and sphenopalatine artery (and vein) pass through the incisive foramen to serve the palate and associated structures.
  • Alveolar margin (aka, ridge)
    • The border of the maxilla where the upper teeth reside.

Sphenoid:

  • Pterygoid process
    • Gives rise to the medial and lateral pterygoid plates, which are extensions where muscles of mastication (aka, chewing) attach.
  • Foramen ovale
    • Petrosal nerve, mandibular nerve, and accessory meningeal artery.
  • Foramen spinosum
    • Middle meningeal artery and meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve.

Temporal bone:

  • Mandibular fossa
    • Shallow depression where the mandible (the bone of the lower jaw) articulates with the cranium.
  • External auditory meatus
    • External opening of the ear.
  • Styloid process
    • A pointy projection for attachment of muscles.
  • Mastoid process
    • Larger, roughened cone-shaped projection for muscle attachment (sternocleidomastoid).
  • Opening of the carotid canal
    • Internal carotid artery enters the cranium to supply the brain via this opening.
  • Stylomastoid foramen
    • Lies between the styloid and mastoid processes.
    • CN VII (facial nerve).

Occipital bone:

  • Foramen magnum
    • A large hole where the spinal cord enters the cranium to become the brainstem.
    • The brainstem, vertebral arteries, and CN XI (accessory nerve) pass through the foramen magnum;
  • Occipital condyles
    • Lie on either side of the foramen magnum; these rounded surfaces articulate with the vertebral column.
  • Hypoglossal canal
    • A small opening near the foramen magnum and the occipital condyles.
    • CN XII (hypoglossal nerve)
  • External occipital crest
    • Extends from the posterior edge of the foramen magnum, and terminates at the external occipital protuberance
  • External occipital protuberance
    • A roughened elevation; it serves as a muscle attachment site and is usually larger in adult males.
  • Inferior and superior nuchal lines
    • Extend horizontally from the crest; they serve as muscle attachment sites.
  • Foramen lacerum
    • Lies between the occipital, sphenoid, and temporal bones; it is irregularly shaped.
    • Greater petrosal nerve; it is a branch of the facial nerve (CN VII).
  • Jugular foramen
    – Lies between occipital and temporal bones; it is named for the jugular vein, which exits through this space.
    • CNs IX (glossopharyngeal nerve), X (vagus), and XI (accessory), and the jugular vein

Lateral Skull

CRANIAL BONES

  • Enclose and protect the brain

Frontal bone

  • Comprises the forehead and the superior portion of the eye orbit

Parietal bone

  • Comprises the superior portion of the lateral skull

Sphenoid bone

  • Only small portion visible in lateral view
  • Gives rise to pterygoid processes

Temporal bone

  • Forms inferior boundary of lateral skull
  • Squamous portion is area inferior to squamous suture
  • Tympanic portion surrounds the external auditory meatus
  • External auditory meatus is the external opening of the ear
  • Mastoid process is the large bony projection near the occipital bone
  • Styloid process is a long, pointy projection
  • Mandibular fossa is a depressed area of the temporal bone that articulates with the mandible to form the temporomandibular joint

Occipital bone

  • Comprises posterior and inferior portion of cranium

FACIAL BONES

  • Form the face and protect the entrances to the oral and nasal cavities.

Zygomatic

  • Contributes to the lateral eye orbits and cheeks

Nasal

  • Forms the bony component of the external nose

Maxilla

  • Contributes to the medial eye orbit, cheeks, and upper jaw
    *Anterior nasal spine is the projection of the maxillae that contributes to the inferior border of the opening of the nasal cavity.

Ethmoid

  • Contributes to medial eye orbit

Lacrimal

  • Contributes to medial eye orbit
  • Fossa for the lacrimal sac, through which tears pass from the eye to the nasal cavity. This connection explains why your nose runs when you cry.

Mandible

  • Bone of the lower jaw; it houses the lower teeth.
  • Condyle (aka, head) articulates with the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone posteriorly
  • Coronoid process provides an attachment site for temporalis, a powerful muscle of the jaw.
  • Mandibular notch lies between condyle and coronoid process
  • Ramus is the vertical portion
  • Body is anterior and lateral base
  • Angle lies between body and ramus, posteriorly
  • Mental protuberance, which forms the chin

FOUR MAJOR SUTURES:

  • Sutures are the immoveable joints between the skull bones.

Coronal suture

  • Lies between the frontal bone, anteriorly, and the parietal bones, posteriorly;

Sagittal suture

  • Lies between the right and left parietal bones;

Squamous suture

  • Lies between the temporal and parietal bones.

Lambdoid suture

  • Lies between the parietal and occipital bones.

Sutural bones (formerly called Wormian bones)

  • Small, irregularly shaped bones that form between the major skull bones.

Pterion

  • Where the temporal, sphenoid, parietal, and frontal bones meet
  • Overlies the middle meningeal artery; thus, injury to the pterion is a common cause of intracranial epidural hematoma.

Additional Features:

Paranasal sinuses

  • Spaces within the frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, and maxilla; they are continuous with the nasal cavity (and are addressed in detail with the respiratory system).

Zygomatic arch

  • The zygomatic process, which is a projection of the temporal bone
  • The temporal process, which is a projection of the zygomatic bone

Anterior Skull

Key functions of the skull:

  • Protects the brain and associated sensory organs.
  • Provides attachment sites for the facial and neck muscles.

The skull itself comprises:

  • 8 Cranial bones that enclose the brain
  • 14 Facial bones that protect entryway to nasal and oral cavities, and provide muscle attachment sites.

The cranial bones include:

The unpaired bones:

Frontal

  • Forms the forehead and superior rim of eye orbits.
  • Supraorbital margin is the bony ridge framing the orbit superiorly
  • Supraorbital notch/foramen provides passageway for neurovascular structures.

Occipital

  • Contributes to the posterior and inferior surface and base of the skull.

Sphenoid

  • A bat-shaped bone that spans the width of the skull.

Ethmoid

  • An irregularly shaped bone that lies deep within the skull.
  • Contributes superior and middle nasal conchae.

The paired bones:

Parietal

  • Comprise the superior and lateral aspects of the skull.

Temporal

  • Comprise the inferior portion of the lateral skull.

The facial bones include:

The unpaired bones:

Vomer

  • Contributes to the nasal septum.

Mandible

  • The bone of the lower jaw.
  • Alveolar margin houses lower teeth.
  • Mental foramen for neurovascular structures.

The paired:

Zygomatic

  • Form the inferior margins of the orbits and the lateral cheekbones.

Lacrimal

  • Contribute to the medial walls of the orbits.

Nasal

  • Comprise the bridge of the nose.

Inferior nasal conchae

  • Lie within the nasal cavity.

Palatine

  • Contribute a small portion to the medial orbit wall (but chiefly contribute to the hard palate of the oral cavity).

Maxilla

  • Fuse at the midline of the face to form the medial and inferior orbit walls, cheeks, and upper jaw.
  • Infraorbital foramen for neurovascular structures.
  • Alveolar margin is the border of the maxilla where the upper teeth are housed.

Spaces within the eye orbit:

  • The superior orbital fissure is a wide space within the sphenoid (specifically, between the greater and lesser wings).
  • The inferior orbital fissure is the space between the sphenoid, zygomatic, and maxillary bones.
  • The optic foramen is the opening to the optic canal, through which the optic nerve (cranial nerve II) passes.

Features of the nasal cavity:

  • Nasal septum separates the nasal cavity into right and left sides.
    • Comprises two different bones:
      Superiorly: Perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone.
      Inferiorly: The vomer bone comprises the inferior portion.