Briggs Lab ~ Functional and Applied Anatomy Laboratory

Principal investigator: Assoc Prof Chris Briggs

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Introduction

PhD and honours projects in this laboratory include studies investigating the gross anatomy and biomechanics of the lumbar spine, the distribution of muscle spindles and muscle fibre types in the neck muscles and muscles of the pelvic floor and forensic anthropology studies, in conjunction with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Anatomy and biomechanics of the lumbar spine

70% of the population will suffer low back pain at some point in their lives, with 85% not having a diagnosable cause. Despite considerable progress in low back pain research and recent changes to its clinical management, mechanism(s) for providing segmental stability require further investigation. Studies in this laboratory will help to determine role(s) of the lumbar fasciae in segmental support and/ or injury. The findings may be useful in refining management (eg. exercise prescription) for low back pain.

The lumbar fasciae form two fibrous layers in the lower back, via which the transversus abdominis muscle attaches to the spine. When active, this muscle may pull the fasciae taut and limit the initial movement available between adjacent vertebrae of the lower back, which can prevent injury to intervening tissues (eg. intervertebral discs). Ongoing projects aim to document the effects of tension on the lumbar fasciae on movement of lumbar vertebrae during segmental testing using motion analysis.

Cross-sectional diagram of the lumbar fasciae at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4) : The anterior, middle and posterior layers of lumbar fascia (ALF, MLF, PLF) are shown divided by paraspinal muscles and quadratus lumborum medially and join to form the lateral raphe laterally, where transversus abdominis (TrA) and parts of the internal and external oblique muscles (IO, EO) attach to the fasciae. From Spitzer er al (1996) The Visible Human Male.

Reference:

Barker PJ, Briggs CA , Bogeski G. (2004) Tensile transmission across the lumbar fasciae in unembalmed cadavers: effects of tension to various muscular attachments. Spine ; 29:129-38.

Postural and age-related changes in skeletal muscle

This project is a collaboration with Professor Mary Galea and Ms Margaret Sherburn, School of Physiotherapy.

The basic questions being asked in this work relate to the effects of changes in posture and of age in relation to muscle architecture. Studies suggest plasticity of fibre type and spindle modification in disease. However, due to sampling methods, normative data for muscle spindle density and fibre classification is uncertain. Using histochemical techniques, previous work has established normative data for spindle density in paraspinal muscle not previously available. Connective tissue is deposited around spindles in aged muscle and may affect their function. Current studies are examining changes in spindle density and muscle fibre characteristics in pelvic floor muscles to determine whether muscle spindles exist within levator ani in adult females. If spindles are present, the aim is to examine three muscle spindle characteristics: spindle distribution, morphology and density. These studies will help characterise the morphology of the pelvic floor and its capacity for retraining in incontinence.

Figure illustrates muscle spindle distribution in antagonistic pairs of neck muscles: longus colli (LC) and multifidus (M).

Boyd-Clark, L.C. Briggs C.A. Galea M.P. (2004 ) Segmental degeneration in the cervical spine and associated changes in dorsal root ganglia. Clinical Anatomy 17 (6) 468-477.

Studies in forensic anthropology

This project is a collaboration with Dr Soren Blau, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine.

A broad range of research projects are available, which involve investigating aspects of determining sex, age, ancestry and stature from the human skeleton. We are specifically interested in obtaining data from the Asia-Pacific region in order to improve forensic anthropology practice.

Recent Publications

Wood W.B., Briggs C.A. and Donlon D. (2003) Forensic Osteology. Chapter 35 in: Freckleton I. and Selby H. - Expert Evidence. Thomson, Lawbook Company, 3-601 to 3-802.