GUIDE
Back and Spinal Cord: Topographic Anatomy
[Plate 149, Topographic Anatomy]
Median line of back: posteromedian furrow overlies tips of spinous processes
Deepest in lower thoracic/upper lumbar region
Bordered by erector spinae
Vertebra prominens = C7 spinous process (T1 may be more prominent)
Scapula:
Superior angle at the level of T2
Medial end of scapular spine opposite spinous process of T3
Inferior angle at level of T7
Medial border of scapula parallels the sixth rib and approximates oblique fissure of lung when the arm is abducted by placing the
hand on the head
Iliac crests at level of L4 = supracristal line
S2 spinous process lies level with a line joining the posterior superior iliac spines
Tip of coccyx approximately 2.5 cm posterosuperior to the anus
Anatomy of muscles of the back are covered in Section 2-4: Back and Spinal Cord-Muscles and Nerves. (Muscles that are readily visible are
trapezius, latissimus dorsi, and teres major).
