Joints and Movements of the Vertebral Column

Question 1

What is another name for the facet joints found on vertebrae?

Answer 1

Zygopophysial joints

Question 2

What are the X3 parts of an intervertebral disc?

Answer 2

1) nucleus pulposus
= central nucleus

2) annulus fibrosus
= rest of the shape

3) vertebral end plate
= one at either side of the disc where it meets the bone

Question 3

What is the blood supply to the intervertebral disc?

Answer 3

It does not have one

Question 4

What are the X3 main vertebral ligaments?

Answer 4

1) anterior longitudinal
2) posterior longitudinal
3) ligamentum flavum

Question 5

Where does the anterior longitudinal ligament extend to/from?

Where is it attached to the vertebrae?

Answer 5

From occipital bone to coccyx

Anteriorly to the IV discs and vertebral bodies

Question 6

Where does the posterior longitudinal ligament extend to/from?

Where is it attached to the vertebrae?

Answer 6

It extends axis to sacrum

It is located inside the vertebral foramen on the posterior wall of the vertebral bodies and IV discs

Question 7

Where does the ligamentum flavum extend to/from?

Where is it attached to the vertebrae?

Answer 7

It connects adjacent vertebrae lamina by extending vertically between them

Question 8

Where are the other vertebral ligaments:

1) interspinous
2) supraspinous

Answer 8

1) interspinous
= between spinous processes

2) supraspinous
= along the outside of the spinous processes

Question 9

What are the x3 layers of muscle of the posterior trunk, starting with the most superficial?

Give examples of these (not the innermost layer)

Answer 9

1) extrinsic layer
= lat. dorsi
= trapezius

2) erector spinae (postural muscle group = I Love Standing)
= ileocostali
= longissimus
= spinalis

Question 10

Where are the erector spinae muscle located?

Answer 10

They are housed within the thoracolumbar fascia