Understanding Prions, Infections, and Spinal Anatomy

Prions and Disease Transmission

Prions are viral proteins that cause diseases. Direct transmission is not common, but the disease can appear several years after exposure to surgical instruments, needles, or other objects used on infected corpses. Therefore, it is crucial to destroy these instruments. STH or GH, this hormone found in the pituitary of dead bodies, requires disinfection of equipment to prevent contamination of the conjunctiva and injured nerve or blood tissue.

Tuberculosis Transmission and Disinfection

Tuberculosis is transmitted through inhalation. When handling fresh infected lungs, they should be perfused with sliced formalin before using routine disinfectants. This increases the time for disinfestation.

Other Infections and Handling of Corpses

In the case of a corpse with a dangerous infection, the clinician responsible must properly label the case. Autopsies should be conducted in special rooms with restricted access to minimize the danger.

Waste Disposal

R Type I waste is trucked to the landfill for compacting, disposal, or treatment. R type II waste is trucked by appropriate personnel with protection and can be controlled in a landfill or incinerated. R type III waste requires a specific carrier to an incinerator. In the absence of a DIXA plant, a company specializing in this treatment must have an oven for cremation. Cremated remains are disposed of as waste.

Spinal Anatomy

The operation of the spine is the axis of the trunk's skeleton. It holds the head and neck, leaning into the pelvis, protects the spinal cord, and is important for maintaining posture.

Spinal Curvatures

• Kyphosis: Thoracic curves are concave forward.
• Lordosis: Sacral curves are concave, while cervical and lumbar curves are concave.
• Scoliosis: Backward curves that appear in the frontal plane when the spine is straight.

Vertebrae Structure

Vertebrae are bones of irregular size. The body is the front of the vertebrae, thick and tough, separated from neighboring bodies by the intervertebral disc. The vertebral arch is located backward from the body and joins it with two pedicles on either side, delimiting the vertebral foramen. All vertebral holes form the spinal canal where the spinal cord runs. Between adjacent vertebral bodies, pedicles, and the intervertebral disc, a hole of conjunction is formed on each side where the spinal nerve exits.

Vertebral Processes

Processes are outbound on the rim: 3 vertebral spinous processes (posterior and directed backward), 2 transverse processes (lateral), and 4 articular processes (2 upper and 2 lower).

Cervical Vertebrae

There are 7 cervical vertebrae, characterized by a small vertebral body, a large vertebral foramen, short transverse processes with a transverse foramen, and a bifid spinous process. Three cervical vertebrae have specific names:

• Atlas: The first cervical vertebra, characterized by the absence of a body and spinous process. It articulates with the occipital bone and the axis.
• Axis: The second cervical vertebra, with a dens or odontoid process that articulates with the atlas, allowing head rotation.
• Prominent: The seventh cervical vertebra, characterized by a very long, non-bifid spinous process.

Spinal Joints

Column joints between the vertebral bodies are set at amphiarthrosis with an intervertebral disc. Ligaments exist in front and behind the vertebral bodies. The joints of the vertebral arches are synovial between articular processes. The atlas and axis joints are synovial, allowing flexion, extension, and rotation of the head, as well as involuntary spasmodic contractions.

Other Anatomical Structures

Hypo refers to the diaphragm. The Linea alba is a tendinous band that separates two core muscles.