Anatomy of the back

Question 1

how many cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are there

Answer 1

c = 7
t = 12
l = 5

Question 2

what are the names of C1 and C2 vertebrae

Answer 2

C1 = atlas 
C2 = Axis

Question 3

how many joints does a typical vertebra have with an adjacent vertebra

Answer 3

6

• Two symphyses (one superior to and one inferior to the vertebra)
• Four synovial joints (two superior and two inferior)

Question 4

what is the function of the annulus fibrosus

Answer 4

surrounds nucleus puplosus

it limits rotation between the vertebrae

Question 5

what is the function of the nucleus pulposus

Answer 5

absorbs compressions forces between the vertebrae

Question 6

where would you find zygapophysial joints

Answer 6

The synovial joints that are located between the superior and inferior articular processes on adjacent vertebrae are known as the zygapophysial joints. Each of these joints is surrounded by a joint capsule.

Question 7

describe the orientation of the zygapophysial joints in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. state the reason for the different orientations

Answer 7

Cervical:

• slopes inferiorly from anterior to posterior
• facilitates flexion and extension

Thoracic:

• orientated vertically
• limits flexion and extension but facilitates rotation

Lumbar:

• curved and adjacent processes interlock
• limits range of movement
• however flexion and extension are still major movements of this region

Question 8

what is the function of the anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 8

prevents hyperextension of the vertebral column

Question 9

where does the posterior longitudinal ligament extend from

Answer 9

Extends from C2 to the sacrum and is mainly attached to the intervertebral discs.

Question 10

where does the anterior longitudinal ligament extend from

Answer 10

Extends from C1 to the sacrum.

Question 11

what do ligament flava join

Answer 11

going the laminae of adjacent vertebrae

Question 12

what do interspinous ligaments connect

Answer 12

connect the spinous process

Question 13

describe the supraspinous ligament

Answer 13

cord-like band of tissue connect ting the tips of the spinous processes from c7 to the sacrum

it merges with the nuchal ligament

Question 14

what is a dermatome

Answer 14

A dermatome refers to a strip of skin that is innervated by a single spinal nerve

Question 15

what nerves are involved with the innervation of the back

Answer 15

Cervical spinal nerves C4 – C6

Thoracic spinal nerves T2 – T12

Lumbar spinal nerves L1 – L3

Question 16

name the superficial group of extrinsic back muscles

Answer 16

• Trapezius muscles
• Rhomboid major and rhomboid minor muscles
• Levator scapulae muscles
• Latissimus dorsi muscles

Question 17

name the intermediate group of extrinsic back muscles

Answer 17

• Serratus posterior superior muscles (located deep to the rhomboid major and rhomboid minor muscles)
• Serratus posterior inferior muscles (located deep to the latissimus dorsi muscles)

Question 18

describe the innervation of the intermediate group of extrinsic back muscles

Answer 18

Innervation:

Serratus posterior superior muscles – innervated by the 2nd – 5th intercostal nerves

Serratus posterior inferior muscles – Innervated by the 9th – 12th intercostal nerves

Question 19

name the muscles in the erector spinae group

Answer 19

• Iliocostalis m.
• Longissimus m.
• Spinalis m.

Question 20

describe the innervation of the erector spinae group of muscles

Answer 20

posterior rami of cervical spinal nerves 1 to lumber spinal nerve 5

Question 21

true or false

The thoracic region of the vertebral column is convex, posteriorly.

Answer 21

true

Question 22

true or false

The iliocostalis muscle is the most medially located of the erector spinae group.

Answer 22

false

Question 23

true or false

The posterior longitudinal ligament is broader compared to the anterior longitudinal ligament.

Answer 23

false

Question 24

Which of the following muscles does not belong to the erector spinae group of muscles?

Iliocostalis muscles
Serratus posterior inferior muscles
Spinalis muscles
Longissiumus muscles

Answer 24

Serratus posterior inferior muscles

Question 25

The ligamenta …………….. join the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.

Answer 25

flava

Question 26

The central region of the intervertebral discs is known as the nucleus …………………… .

Answer 26

Pulposus

Question 27

The anterior longitudinal ligament prevents hyperextension of the vertebral column.

True or false

Answer 27

true

Question 28

Which of the following muscles is located immediately deep to the rhomboid major and minor muscles?

Serratus posterior superior muscle
Trapezius muscle
Serratus posterior inferior muscle

Answer 28

Serratus posterior superior muscle

Question 29

Which of the following ligaments connect the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae?

intertransverse ligaments
Interspinous ligaments
Supraspinous ligament

Answer 29

intertransverse ligaments

Question 30

Within the thoracic region of the spine, the zygapophysial joints are oriented ……………….. .

Answer 30

Vertically