Spine Anatomy

Question 1

How is a dermatome map used?

Answer 1

Used to diagnose the source of nerve pathologies

Question 2

List 4 parts of a synovial joint

Answer 2

• articular surface covered in hyaline cartilage
• articular cavity
• well-formed capsule surrounding ligaments
• synovial membrane

Question 3

What is the function of the dorsal nerve root?

Answer 3

Provides sensory function

Question 4

What is the function of the ventral nerve root?

Answer 4

Provides motor function

Question 5

Name 2 regions of an intervertebral disc and describe their function

Answer 5

• outer layer: annulus fibrosis, securely connects the spinal vertebrae above and below disc
• inner layer: nucleus pulposus, shock-absorption

Question 6

What is the bio mechanical function of intervertebral disc?

Answer 6

Shock absorber and pivot point for motion

Question 7

List in order from superficial to deep, the meninges of the spinal cord

Answer 7

Dura mater
Arachnoid
Pia mater

Question 8

—— connect bone to bone

Answer 8

Ligaments

Question 9

The —– ligament system holds individual vertebrae together

Answer 9

Intrasegmental

Question 10

The —– ligament system holds many vertebrae together

Answer 10

Intersegmental

Question 11

—– —– connects the laminar of the vertebrae and protects the neural elements. The strongest of spinal ligaments, it forms the posterior wall of the spinal cord

Answer 11

Ligamentum flavum

Question 12

—– —– run from the base of one spineous process to the other

Answer 12

Interspinous ligaments

Question 13

—– —– runs along the posterior portion or distal tips of the spineous process

Answer 13

Supraspineous ligament

Question 14

Contains the spinal cord and its coverings, and is channel created by the sum of the vertebral foramen

Answer 14

Spinal canal

Question 15

The inferior portion of the CNS and is covered and protected by three concentric layers of meninges

Answer 15

Spinal cord

Question 16

Exits the sacrum through the sciatic foramen and serves the leg flexor muscles

Answer 16

Sciatic nerve

Question 17

Transversospinalis

Answer 17

Posterior muscle, function is rotation of the spine

Question 18

Erector spinae

Answer 18

Posterior muscle, maintains spine erect and provides for spinal extension

Question 19

List vertebrae types and total number in spine

Answer 19

• cervical= 7
• thoracic = 12
• lumbar = 5
• sacral/coccyx = 5, 2-3

Question 20

Location and structure of the cauda equina and conus medullaris

Answer 20

• cauda equina: nerve roots in spinal canal, inferior to L2. Resembles horses tail in dural sac
• conus medullaris: exits at end of spinal cord (L1/L2). Comical structure at the end of the spinal cord

Question 21

Structure and fxn of spinal nerves

Answer 21

Nerve exiting from the spinal cord. Provides both sensory and motor functions.

Question 22

Structure and fxn of autonomic nervous system

Answer 22

Comprised of sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Involuntary component of nervous system that controls the fxn of internal organs.

Question 23

List 7 bony processes found protruding from the vertebral arch

Answer 23

• 2 transverse processes
• 4 articular processes (2 superior, 2 inferior)
• 1 spinous process