Anaesthesia Fundamentals | Anatomy | Spine Part 2: Sacrum, Sacral Hiatus and Ligaments

Spine Part 2: Sacrum, Sacral Hiatus and Ligaments
Session Overview
Description
This session covers the anatomy of the sacrum, coccyx and sacral hiatus. It describes the intervertebral discs and spinal ligaments, and the vertebral levels of some of the surface markings of the body. The different types of spina bifida are reviewed.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the anatomy of the sacrum and the sacral hiatus
• Identify the surface markings used to locate the sacral hiatus
• Describe the anatomy of the intervertebral discs
• Identify the ligaments associated with the vertebral column
• Define spina bifida and describe the different degrees of severity

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should have:

• A good knowledge of anatomy to the standard required to attain a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

Knowledge of the anatomy of the sacrum and sacral hiatus, and their relationship to the spinal cord and meninges, is essential for anaesthetists in order to perform a caudal injection.

The intervertebral discs make up 25% of the height of the vertebral column. They act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. Intervertebral disc prolapse is a common cause of back pain and sciatica.

The intervertebral ligaments hold the vertebral bones together and allow some movement of the vertebral column.

The session is divided into the following sections:

• Anatomical features of the sacrum and sacral hiatus
• Surface markings of the sacral hiatus in relation to caudal injection
• Anatomy of the intervertebral discs and spinal ligaments
• Description of spina bifida

This session will include some questions to test your knowledge.