Back - Vertebrae - Regional (1)

Question 1

Which vertebrae have foramina in their transverse processes?

Answer 1

Cervical. This is for passage of the vertebral arteries.

Question 2

What is different about the transverse foramina of the C7 vertebra?

Answer 2

These are smaller than the transverse foramina of other cervical vertebrae, because in fact the vertebral arteries do not pass through the C7 transverse foramina. Only the small accessory veins pass through C7.

Question 3

Which of the cervical vertebrae has the longest spinous process?

Answer 3

C7.

Question 4

What are two features of typical vertebrae that are absent in the atlas?

Answer 4

The atlas is C1. It has no vertebral body, and no spinous process.

Question 5

What are the unique features of the axis?

Answer 5

The axis is C2. It has a dens process (also called the odontoid process) extending from its body. It has a bifid spinous process.

Question 6

Describe the foramina of the atlas.

Answer 6

It has a vertebral foramen, and anterior to this there is a foramen for the dens. These two foramina are separated not by bone, but by the transverse ligament of the atlas. There are also the foramina of the transverse processes (for the vertebral arteries to pass though).

Question 7

Which part of the skull articulates with the atlas?

Answer 7

The occipital condyles of the skull articulate with the lateral masses of C1.

Question 8

What is the pars articularis?

Answer 8

This is the column formed by the superior and inferior articular processes of a vertebra.

Question 9

What do thoracic vertebrae have that other vertebrae do not?

Answer 9

Costal facets on their transverse processes and vertebral bodies - for attachment of ribs.

Question 10

Each rib articulates with both its own vertebral body and:
A) the vertebral body above
B) the vertebral body below

Answer 10

A. For example, the 5th rib articulates with T5 and T4.

Question 11

Which vertebrae have circular vertebral foramina?

Answer 11

Thoracic.

Question 12

Which vertebrae have triangular vertebral foramina?

Answer 12

Cervical and Lumbar.

Question 13

Which vertebrae have articular processes positioned to allow the greatest degree of rotation?

Answer 13

Thoracic.

Question 14

Which vertebrae have articular process positioned to disallow rotation?

Answer 14

Upper lumbar.

Question 15

What passes through the sacral canal?

Answer 15

The cauda equina.

Question 16

What is the cauda equina?

Answer 16

It is the bundle of nerve roots arising inferior to the L1 vertebra, that descend past the termination of the spinal cord.

Question 17

How big is the lumbosacral angle?

Answer 17

Usually between 130 and 160 degrees.

Question 18

What is different between the sacrum of a child and that of an adult?

Answer 18

In children, the individual sacral vertebrae are separated by IV discs. Fusion of the sacral vertebrae starts after age 20.