Joints and Ligaments of the Back

Question 1

b/w intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies

Answer 1

symphyses (secondary cartilaginous joints and designed for weight bearing and strength)

the articulating surfaces of adjacent vertebrae are connected by IV discs and ligaments

Question 2

IV discs

Answer 2

provide strong attachments b/w the vertebral bodies

permit movement b/w adjacent vertebrae

serve as shock absorbers

2 parts ( outer ring and middle of disc)

Question 3

outer ring of IV disc

Answer 3

outer fibrous part

anulus fibrosis

Question 4

middle of the IV disc

Answer 4

gelatinous central mass

nucleus pulpous

Question 5

facet joints

Answer 5

zygapophysial joints

synovial plane joints (allow for gliding movements)

each joint is surrounded by a thin, loose, joint capsule

accessory ligaments

Question 6

facet joint joint capsule

Answer 6

attached to the margins of the articular surfaces of the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae

Question 7

accessory ligaments of the facet joints

Answer 7

unite the laminae, transverse processes, and spinous processes

help stabilize the joints

Question 8

craniovertebral joints

Answer 8

atlantooccipital joints

atlanto-axial joints

Question 9

atlantooccipital joints

Answer 9

b/w the lateral masses of the atlas and the occipital bone

synovial condyloid types of joint (neck flexion and extension, permit sideways tilting of head)

cranium and atlas are connected by anterior and posterior atlanto-occipital membranes

Question 10

atlantooccipital membranes

Answer 10

extends from the anterior and posterior arches of the atlas to the anterior and posterior margins of the foramen magnum

help prevent excessive movement of the joint

Question 11

atlanto-axial joints

Answer 11

allow for the head to be turned from side to side

2 lateral atlanto-axial joints
-b/w the lateral masses of the atlas and the superior facets of the axis
-median atlanto-axial joint

plane type of joints

Question 12

median atlanto-axial joint

Answer 12

b/w the dens of the axis and the anterior arch and transverse ligament of the atlas

plane type of joint

cruciate ligament

longitudinal band

alar ligament

Question 13

cruciate ligament

Answer 13

extends b/w 2 tubercles on the medial aspects of the lateral masses

Question 14

longitudinal band

Answer 14

pass from the transverse ligament to the occipital bone and to the body of the axis

Question 15

alar ligament

Answer 15

extend from the sides of the dens to the lateral margins of the foramen magnum

prevents excessive rotation

Question 16

anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 16

strong, broad, fibrous band

covers and connects the anterolateral aspects of the vertebral bodies and IV discs

maintains the stability of the intervertebral discs

Question 17

what does the anterior longitudinal ligament help prevent

Answer 17

limits extension of the vertebral column

Question 18

posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 18

somewhat weaker band

runs w/ the vertebral canal (along posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies)

Question 19

what does the posterior longitudinal ligament help prevent

Answer 19

hyperflexion of the vertebral column

posterior herniation of the IV discs