Back - Vertebrae - Structure (1)

Question 1

What is meant by the “axial skeleton”?

Answer 1

The axial skeleton is comprised of the articulated bones of the cranium, vertebral column, ribs and sternum.

Question 2

Including the coccygeal segments, how many vertebrae are there? How many in each region?

Answer 2

Total of 33 vertebrae. 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 4 coccygeal.

Question 3

How and when is the coccyx formed?

Answer 3

After approximately age 30, the 4 coccygeal vertebrae fuse to form the coccyx.

Question 4

Where is (and what is) the lumbosacral angle?

Answer 4

The lumbosacral angle is the abrupt angle at the junction of L5 and S1.

Question 5

What is the other word for a facet joint?

Answer 5

Zygapophysial joint.

Question 6

Name the parts of a typical vertebra.

Answer 6

Vertebral body.
Vertebral arch.
2x Transverse processes.
2x Superior Articular processes.
2x Inferior Articular processes.
1x Spinous process.

Question 7

What is the small black hole you can see in the middle of the posterior surface of the vertebral bodies on a sagittal CT scan?

Answer 7

The foramen/canal for the basivertebral vein.

Question 8

Name the parts of the vertebral arch.

Answer 8

Extending from the vertebral body are the pedicles, which become the laminae, which unite at the midline where the spinous process starts.

Question 9

What makes up the bony walls of the vertebral foramen?

Answer 9

The posterior surface of the vertebral body, and the pedicles and laminae of the vertebral arch.

Question 10

Which processes of the vertebrae have muscles attatched to them?

Answer 10

The spinous processes and transverse processes.

Question 11

Which ligament makes up the anterior wall of the vertebral canal?

Answer 11

The posterior longitudinal ligament.

Question 12

Which ligament makes up the posterior wall of the vertebral canal?

Answer 12

The ligamentum flavum.

Question 13

As a vertebra sits on top of another vertebra, its inferior articular process sits anterior or posterior to the lower vertebra’s superior articular process?

Answer 13

Posterior.

Question 14

What is a surgical laminectomy?

Answer 14

This is the excision of a spinous process and the adjacent vertebral laminae. This is often performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by a tumour, herniated IV disc, or bony hypertrophy.