Chapter 7: Axial Skeleton

Question 1

Cervical Curve

Answer 1

(7 vertebrae) A secondary curve, develops as the infant learns to balance the weight of its head on the vertebrae of the neck.

Question 2

Coccyx

Answer 2

The terminal portion of the spinal column, consisting of relatively tiny, fused vertebrae.

Question 3

Cranium

Answer 3

The braincase; the skull bones that surround and protect the brain.

Question 4

Fontanelles

Answer 4

A relatively soft, flexible, fibrous region between two flat bones in the developing skull; also spelled fontanel.

Question 5

Intervertebral Discs

Answer 5

A fibrocartilage pad between the bodies of successive vertebrae that absorbs shocks.

Question 6

Lambdoid Suture

Answer 6

The synarthrosis between the parietal and occipital bones of the cranium.

Question 7

Ligaments Nuchae

Answer 7

An elastic ligament between the vertebrae prominens and the occipital bone.

Question 8

Lumbar Curve

Answer 8

(5 vertebrae) A secondary curve, balances the weight of the trunk over the lower limbs. This curve develops with the ability to stand.

Question 9

Nasal Cavity

Answer 9

The chamber in the skull that is bounded by the internal and external nares.

Question 10

Orbits

Answer 10

The bony recess of the skull that contains the eyeball.

Question 11

Paranasal Sinuses

Answer 11

Bony chambers, lined by respiratory epithelium, that open into the nasal cavity; the frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal, and maxillary sinuses.

Question 12

Sacral Curve

Answer 12

The primary curve, provides room for various abdominopelvic organs.

Question 13

Sinus

Answer 13

A chamber or hollow in a tissue; a large, dilated veing.

Question 14

Spinal Curves

Answer 14

Spinal curves develop before birth, and secondary curves after birth.

Question 15

Spinous Process

Answer 15

The prominent posterior projection of a vertebra; formed by the fusion of the two laminae.

Question 16

Sutural Bones

Answer 16

Irregular bones that form in fibrous tissue between teh flat bones of the developing cranium; also called Wormian bones.

Question 17

Suture

Answer 17

A fibrous joint between flat bones of the skull.

Question 18

Thoracic Curve

Answer 18

(12 vertebrae) A primary curve, provides room for the thoracic organs.

Question 19

Vertebral Column

Answer 19

The cervical, thoracic, and lumber vertebrae, the sacrum, and the coccyx.

Question 20

Xiphoid Process

Answer 20

The slender, inferior extension of the sternum.

Question 21

Craniotomy

Answer 21

The surgical removal of a section of bone (bone flap) from the skull for the purpose of operating on the underlying tissues.

Question 22

Deviated Nasal Septum

Answer 22

A bent nasal septum (cartilaginous structure dividing the left and right nasal cavities) that slows or prevents sinus drainage.

Question 23

Herniated Disc

Answer 23

A disc (fibrocartilage pad) between the vertebrae that slips out of place or ruptures; if it presses on a nerve, it can cause back pain or sciatica.

Question 24

Laminectomy

Answer 24

A surgical operation to remove the posterior vertebral arch on a vertebra, usually to give access to the spinal cord or to relieve pressure on nerves.

Question 25

Spina Bifida

Answer 25

A condition resulting from the failure of the vertebral laminae to unite during development; commonly associated with developmental abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord.

Question 26

Spinal Fusion

Answer 26

A surgical procedure that stabilizes the spine by joining together (fusing) two or more vertebrae using bone grafts, metal rods, or screws.