The articular surface refers to the smooth, cartilage-covered area of a bone that comes into contact with another bone within a joint, facilitating movement and reducing friction. This specialized surface is crucial for the efficient functioning of joints, allowing for a wide range of motion while minimizing wear and tear.
Craniosacral rhythm refers to the subtle, rhythmic movement of the cranial bones and the sacrum, believed to be driven by the fluctuations of cerebrospinal fluid within the craniosacral system. This rhythm is a foundational element in craniosacral therapy, a bodywork modality aimed at enhancing the body's self-healing capabilities by detecting and facilitating the flow of this rhythm.
The lateral sacral arteries are branches of the internal iliac artery that supply blood to the sacrum and coccyx, as well as the surrounding muscles and skin. They play a crucial role in the vascularization of the sacral region, contributing to the stability and function of the pelvis and lower spine.
The pelvis is a complex bony structure that connects the spine to the lower limbs, supporting the weight of the upper body while providing attachment points for various muscles and ligaments. It consists of the sacrum, coccyx, and two hip bones, which together form a basin-like cavity that protects pelvic organs and plays a crucial role in locomotion and childbirth.
The sacral hiatus is an anatomical feature located at the distal end of the sacral canal, formed by the failure of the laminae of the fifth sacral vertebra to meet and fuse. It serves as an important landmark for caudal epidural anesthesia and is characterized by its inverted U-shape or V-shape opening on the dorsal aspect of the sacrum.
The vertebral column, also known as the spine, is a flexible, segmented structure that provides support and protection for the spinal cord while allowing a wide range of motion. It consists of 33 vertebrae divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal, each with specific functions and characteristics.
The sacral region is located at the base of the spine and consists of the sacrum, a triangular bone that connects the lumbar spine to the pelvis. It plays a crucial role in supporting the weight of the upper body and facilitating movement by forming the back part of the pelvic girdle.
The pelvic ring is a complex anatomical structure composed of the sacrum, coccyx, and paired hip bones, providing support for the spine and forming the base of the pelvic cavity. It plays a crucial role in weight transmission from the upper body to the lower limbs and is essential for maintaining posture and facilitating movement.
The sacral canal is like a special tunnel inside a bone in your lower back called the sacrum. It's important because it helps protect some of the nerves that help you feel things and move your legs and feet.
The lumbar spine is the lower part of your back that helps you stand up and move around. It has big bones called vertebrae that are stacked like blocks, and squishy discs between them that act like cushions.
The dorsal sacral foramina are openings located on the posterior (back) surface of the sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of the spine. These foramina allow for the passage of the dorsal rami of the sacral spinal nerves, which are crucial for transmitting sensory and motor information to and from the lower back, pelvis, and lower limbs.