Question

Posterior view head and neck In a posterior view examination, the examiner's plumb line divides the body into equal left and right halves

Plumb line: The midline bisects the head through the external occipital protuberance; head is usually positioned squarely over the shoulders so that eyes remain level
Common faults include:

Answer 1

The posterior view assessment of the head and neck involves the occipital bone and structures like the external occipital protuberance and superior nuchal lines. A plumb line is used to check for postural irregularities by comparing the body's symmetry in the anatomical position, which is a standardized stance in medical contexts.

Step-by-step explanation:

A posterior view examination of the head and neck often involves referencing the occipital bone, which forms the back of the skull. This bone features the external occipital protuberance, a small bump at the posterior midline that serves as an attachment point for neck ligaments. Lateral to this are the superior nuchal lines, where muscles attach and extend laterally from the protuberance. The occipital bone also contains the foramen magnum for spinal cord passage, and the occipital condyles which articulate with the first cervical vertebra, supporting the skull on the vertebral column.

During a postural assessment, a plumb line can be used to evaluate symmetry and identify potential conditions such as kyphosis, lordosis, or scoliosis. Evaluations assume the body is in anatomical position, which standardizes how the body is viewed for consistency in medical and anatomical contexts.