Joints and Movements of the Vertebral Column

Question 1

3 key points of atypical cervical vertebrae

Answer 1

C1 (atlas)
C2 (axis)
C7 (vertebra prominens)

Question 2

what are the 3 features of typical cervical vertebra

Answer 2

• Foramen transversarium (vertebral artery, vein and sympathetic nerves)
• Triangular vertebral foramen
• Bifid spinous process

Question 3

whats the difference between atlas and axis vertebra

Answer 3

atlas still has a foramen transversarium

axis still has bifid process

Question 4

what are the superior articular facets on atlas for?

Answer 4

articulate with occipital condyles on skull to hold it

Question 5

What type of joint is present between vertebral bodies?

Answer 5

Symphysis (secondary cartilaginous) joint, formed by intervertebral discs.

Question 6

What type of joint is present between vertebral arches?

Answer 6

Synovial type joint (facet joints).

Question 7

Name two joints that are unique to the cervical spine.

Answer 7

Atlanto-occipital joint (x2) and Atlanto-axial joints (x3).

Question 8

where is the third Atlanto-axial joint?

Answer 8

between the dens and anterior arch

Question 9

what are the ligaments specific to the cervical region?

Answer 9

nuchal ligament

transverse ligament of the atlas along with its longitudinal fibres

alar ligament

apical ligament

Question 10

What 6 ligaments are present throughout the vertebral column?

Answer 10

Anterior longitudinal ligament

Posterior longitudinal ligament

Ligamentum flavum

Interspinous ligament

Supraspinous ligament

Question 11

Answer 11

Question 12

What are the 4 key features of typical thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 12

Demi-facets on the sides of the vertebral body

Costal facets on the transverse process (except T11, T12)

Vertical superior and inferior articular facets

Heart-shaped vertebral body

Question 13

Which thoracic vertebrae are considered atypical?

Answer 13

T1, T9, T10, T11, T12

Question 14

Which ribs are considered typical ribs?

Answer 14

Ribs 3-9

Question 15

What are the two main features of rib articulation?

Answer 15

Articular facets and costal groove

Question 16

how is T1 (1st thoracic vertebra) atypical?

Answer 16

has a complete facet instead of a Demi facet

Question 17

how is T9 atypical?

Answer 17

has demi facet on the body but no facet at lower part of the body

Question 18

how are T10, T11 & T12 atypical?

Answer 18

have complete facets on the body

Question 19

how may one differentiate between T12 and L1

Answer 19

T12 superior articular faces posteriorly in T12 and medially in L1

Question 20

features of typical thoracic vertebrae

Answer 20

demi-lacets on the sides of the vertebral body

costal facets on the transverse process

vertical superior and inferior articular facets

vertebral body- heart shapes

Question 21

What are the joints between ribs and vertebrae called?

Answer 21

Costovertebral and costotransverse joints.

Question 22

What type of joint connects the ribs to costal cartilage?

Answer 22

Costochondral joint.

Question 23

What type of joint connects costal cartilage to the sternum?

Answer 23

Sternochondral (or sternocostal) joint.

Question 24

What are the joints between adjacent costal cartilages called?

Answer 24

Interchondral joints.

Question 25

What joints exist between parts of the sternum?

Answer 25

Manubriosternal and xiphisternal joints.

Question 26

What are the 4 key ligaments unique to the thoracic spine?

Answer 26

Radiate ligament Costotransverse ligament Lateral costotransverse ligament Superior costotransverse ligament

Question 27

Answer 27

Question 28

What are the 3 key features of typical lumbar vertebrae

Answer 28

Superior and inferior articular facets orientation Mammillary processes Accessory processes

Question 29

Which lumbar vertebra is considered atypical?

Answer 29

L5

Question 30

What ligament is unique to the lumbar spine?

Answer 30

The iliolumbar ligament.

Question 31

What are the 3 layers of back layers?

Answer 31

* Deep layer – associated with movements of the vertebral column * Intermediate layer – associated with movements of the thoracic cage * Superficial layer – associated with movements of the shoulder

Question 32

What is the function of the deep layer of back muscles?

Answer 32

They are associated with movements of the vertebral column

Question 33

What are the three main groups of deep back muscles?

Answer 33

Spinotransversalis Erector spinae Transversospinalis

Question 34

What muscles are part of the spinotransversalis group?

Answer 34

Splenius capitis Splenius cervicis

Question 35

What are the three muscles of the erector spinae group?

Answer 35

Iliocostalis Longissimus Spinalis

Question 36

What are the two muscles of the transversospinalis group?

Answer 36

Semispinalis Multifidus

Question 37

What are the minor deep intrinsic muscles of the back?

Answer 37

Interspinales Intertransversarii Levatores costarum

Question 38

Answer 38

Question 39

What is the function of the intermediate layer of back muscles?

Answer 39

It is associated with movements of the thoracic cage.

Question 40

What is the function of the superficial layer of back muscles?

Answer 40

It is associated with movements of the shoulder.

Question 41

What muscles are included in the intermediate layer of back muscles?

Answer 41

Serratus posterior superior Serratus posterior inferior

Question 42

Answer 42

Question 43

What are the four main movements of the vertebral column?

Answer 43

Flexion Extension Lateral flexion Rotation

Question 44

What factors limit the range of movement in the vertebral column?

Answer 44

Thickness, elasticity, and compressibility of the intervertebral discs Shape, orientation, and articular capsules of the facet joints Resistance of back muscles and ligaments (e.g., ligamenta flava and posterior longitudinal ligament)