MSS Week 6

Question 1

Name the main anatomical features of the typical vertebrae from posterior to anterior end

Answer 1

1. Spinous Process
2. Lamina
3. Transverse Process
4. Superior Articulating Process
5. Pedicle
6. Vertebral Foramen
7. Body

Question 2

Differentiate between C1 (Atlas) and C2 (Axis)

Answer 2

C1 (Altas)
• Holding our brain
• Articulates with condyles of occipital bone
• Lacks a body

C2 (Axis)
• A lot of rotation occurring
• Has odontoid process
• Axis of rotation for skull

Question 3

Define Intervertebral Body Joints

a) What are the two components of the Fibrocartilginous disc ?

Answer 3

Definition: Between the two bodies of the vertebrae

a) Central Nucleus pulposus: Absorbing the compression on our vertebrae

Peripheral Anulus Fibrosus: contains collagen fibers, limits rotation, resists tension

Question 4

Define Zygapophyseal Joints

Answer 4

o Joints between vertebral arches

o Synovial joints between superior and inferior articular processes on adjacent vertebrae

Question 5

Define Vertebrocostal Joints

Answer 5

o Joints between ribs (at head and tubercle) and thoracic vertebrae
o Synovial Joints
o Articulations that connect the heads of the ribs with the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae

Question 6

Define Costotransverse Joints

Answer 6

o Joint formed between the facet of the tubercle of the rib and the adjacent transverse process of a thoracic vertebra
o Synovial joint that only allows gliding movement

Question 7

Describe the Cervical Region

Answer 7

• Support of the head
• Movement of the neck
• There is more mobility of the lower cervical region
• Has foramen in transverse process for vertebral artery
• Orientation of facet joints: slope inferiorly from anterior to posterior (transverse plane)

Question 8

Describe the Thoracic Region

Answer 8

• Articulation with the ribs
• Supporting our organs
• Suspends ribs
• More stability than mobility
• Facets for ribs
• Spinous process are long and angled inferiorly
• Angled vertically (frontal plane)

Question 9

Describe the Lumbar Region

Answer 9

• Larger size
• Large lamina
• Absence of rib facets
• Small joints that could do a little bit of movement
• Provide mobility and stability
• Surfaces are curved and interlock (sagittal plane)

Question 10

Describe the functions of all the ligaments of the vertebral column

A) Anterior Longitudinal Ligament 
B) Posterior Longitudinal Ligament 
C) Ligamentum Nuchae = Supraspinous Ligament  
D) Interspinous Ligament  
E) Ligamentum Flavum

Answer 10

A) Limits Extension 
B) Limits Flexion 
C) Limits Flexion 
D) Limits Flexion and Rotation 
E) Limits Flexion and Rotation

Question 11

What are the primary curvatures and secondary curvatures of the vertebral column?

Answer 11

Primary curvatures: Thoracic and Sacral Curves

Secondary curvatures: Cervical and Lumbar Curves