Ligaments of the Vertebral Column and Intervertebral Discs

Question 1

What supports the joints of the vertebral column and limit movement of the vertebral column

Answer 1

ligaments of the vertebral column

Question 2

Intervertebral discs are composed of

Answer 2

anulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus

Question 3

What two ligaments join all of the vertebral bodies

Answer 3

anterior longitudinal ligament, posterior longitudinal ligament

Question 4

anterior longitudinal ligaments extends how long? covers what? and limits what? reinforces what?

Answer 4

extends the entire length of the vertebral column covering the anterior 1/3 of each body. it limits extension (prevents hyperextension) and reinforces the anterior portion of the intervertebral disc

Question 5

Describe the posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 5

it is narrow and weaker than the anterior longitudinal ligament. it lies on the anterior wall of the vertebral column (posterior surface of the vertebral body) it glares out to blend with the anulus fibrosis and intervertebral discs

Question 6

intervertebral disc herniation is usually? why?

Answer 6

posterolateral because the posterior longitudinal ligament incompletely reinforces the anulus fibrosus posteriorly

Question 7

Posterior longitudinal ligament limits?

Answer 7

flexion

Question 8

This ligament links the laminae of adjacent vertebrae along the posterior wall of the vertebral canal.

Answer 8

ligamentum flavum

Question 9

this ligament is unique due to its yellow elastic tissue

Answer 9

ligamentum flavum

Question 10

This ligament is stretched during flexion of the vertebral column and assists in extension of the column

Answer 10

ligamentum flavum

Question 11

These attach spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae and prevent hyprerflexion

Answer 11

supra- and interspinous ligaments

Question 12

During a midline approach for a spinal tap, the needle traverses these ligaments

Answer 12

supra- and interspinous ligaments

Question 13

Which ligaments limit flexion

Answer 13

posterior longitudinal ligament
ligamentum flavum
supraspinous and interspinous ligaments

Question 14

which ligaments limit extension

Answer 14

anterior longitudinal ligament

Question 15

which two ligaments line the vertebral canal

Answer 15

ligamentum flavum

posterior longitudinal

Question 16

what acts like a gel-like structure that absorbs forces impacting the vertebrae

Answer 16

nucleus pulposus

Question 17

A thicker disc will have greater or lesser movement?

Answer 17

greater

Question 18

Discs are the thickest where?

Answer 18

cervical and lumbar regions