unit 4

Question 1

what structure is the most posterior aspect of a typical vertebra and serves as an attachment point for muscles & ligaments

Answer 1

spinous process

Question 2

what are the lateral projections extending from each side of a typical vertebra

Answer 2

transverse processes

Question 3

what is the function of the intervertebral discs

Answer 3

to cushion & separate the vertebrae

Question 4

what is the name of the canal that contains the spinal cord

Answer 4

vertebral foramen

Question 5

what is the most anterior portion of a typical vertebra

Answer 5

vertebral body

Question 6

what joint is formed by the superior & inferior articular facets

Answer 6

zygapophyseal joints

Question 7

what do the pedicles and laminae form together in a typical vertebra

Answer 7

the vertebral arch

Question 8

where are the spinal nerves located as they extend from the spinal cord into the body

Answer 8

within the intervertebral foramen

Question 9

what is the term for the bony projections on the posterior side of the vertebral arch

Answer 9

spinous processes

Question 10

how is the atlas (C1) structurally different from other cervical vertebrae

Answer 10

it has no body or spinous process

Question 11

what is a unique feature of all cervical vertebrae

Answer 11

transverse foramina

Question 12

what is a distinguishing feature of the seventh cervical vertebra

Answer 12

it lacks a bifid spinous process

Question 13

what is the function of the transverse foramina in cervical vertebrae

Answer 13

to allow passage of the vertebral arteries

Question 14

where do the lateral masses (ala) of the sacrum articulate with the pelvis

Answer 14

with the iliac bones

Question 15

what is the name of the opening at the inferior border of the 5th sacral segment

Answer 15

sacral hiatus

Question 16

what is the sacral promontory

Answer 16

the ridge on the anterior surface of the sacrum

Question 17

what is the function of the sacral foramina

Answer 17

to allow passage of nerves

Question 18

what do the transverse processes of the sacrum form

Answer 18

the lateral masses

Question 19

how many fused vertebral segments make up the sacrum

Answer 19

5

Question 20

what does the central canal of the spinal cord contain

Answer 20

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Question 21

the continuation of the ventricular system of the brain in the spinal cord is known as the

Answer 21

central canal

Question 22

what is the function of the central canal

Answer 22

to circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Question 23

where does the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) attach to the spinal column?

Answer 23

along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies

Question 24

which of the following ligaments helps to maintain the integrity of the vertebral canal by connecting the laminae

Answer 24

ligamentum flavum

Question 25

the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) attaches along which aspect of the vertebrae

Answer 25

the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies

Question 26

what ligament forms the anterior surface of the vertebral canal

Answer 26

posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL)

Question 27

how does the supraspinous ligament contribute to vertebral stability

Answer 27

by running along the posterior edge of the spinous processes

Question 28

which ligament attaches between the laminae of adjacent vertebrae

Answer 28

ligamentum flavum

Question 29

where is the supraspinous ligament located

Answer 29

along the posterior edge of the spinous processes

Question 30

what structure does the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) attach to

Answer 30

the vertebral bodies

Question 31

which ligament attaches between adjacent spinous processes

Answer 31

interspinous ligament

Question 32

the transversospinal muscles are known for their role in

Answer 32

flexing & rotating the vertebral column

Question 33

which muscle group includes the splenius capitis

Answer 33

superficial layer

Question 34

which muscles are located in the superficial layer of the back

Answer 34

splenius cervicis

Question 35

the erector spinae muscle group is primarily responsible for

Answer 35

extending the thoracic & lumbar spine

Question 36

what muscle group helps form the posterior abdominal wall

Answer 36

quadratus lumborum

Question 37

what muscle is part of the erector spinae muscle group

Answer 37

longissimus