1 Surface Anatomy

Surface Anatomy

Fig. 1.1 Palpable structures of the back
Posterior view.

Fig. 1.2 Regions of the back and nates
Posterior view.

Fig. 1.3 Processus spinosi and landmarks of the back
Posterior view.

Table 1.1 Reference lines of the back

Linea mediana posterior	Posterior trunk midline at the level of the procc. spinosi
Linea paravertebralis	Line at the level of the procc. transversi
Linea scapularis	Line through the angulus inferior scapulae

Table 1.2 Processus spinosi that provide useful posterior landmarks

Vertebral processus spinosus	Posterior landmark
C7	Vertebra prominens (the projecting proc. spinosus of C7 is clearly visible and palpable)
T3	The spina scapularis
T7	The angulus inferior scapulae
T12	Just below costa XII
L4	The summit of the crista iliaca
S2	The spina iliaca posterior superior (recognized by small skin depressions directly over the spinae iliacae)