Unit 6, Regions of the Vertebral column (Exam 2) Flashcards
what will form the posterior boundary of a typical cervical IVF?
1) Post and Pre zygapophysis
2) Capsular ligament
3) Ligamentum Flavum
What will form the superior boundary of a typical cervical IVF?
Inferior vertebral notch/incisure
What will form the inferior boundary of a typical cervical IVF?
Superior vertebral notch/incisure
What is the unique anterior boundary of the IVF for the C4 spinal nerve?
1) Lateral groove of C3
2) Uncinate process of C4 forming the Joint of LUSHKA
What vertebral segments of the cervical are considered atypical?
C1.
C2.
C7.
What features are lacking at C1?
1) Vertebral body
2) Pedicles
3) Spinous process
4) Intervertebral disk
What is thought to represent the pedicle at C1?
Anterior Arch
What osseous modification is observed to the front of the anterior arch of C1?
Anterior tubercle
What muscle attach anterior arch of C1?
Longus Colli
What ligaments will attach to the anterior arch of C1?
1) Anterior longitudinal
2) Anterior atlanto-occipital
3) Anterior atlanto-axial
What is observed on the back of the anterior arch of C1?
Fovea dentis
What joint classifications are observed on the anterior arch?
1) Fibrous (amphiarthrosis) Syndesmosis joint
2) Synovial Pivot (diarthrosis trochoid) joint
What is the morphology of the superior articular facet of C1?
Elliptical; closer together in front and often demonstrate an elevation subdividing the facet surface into two separate surfaces.
What is the orientation of the superior articular facet of C1?
BUM
Backward, Upward, Medial
What is the joint classification of the atlanto-occipital zygapophysis?
Synovial (diarthrosis) ellipsoidal joint.
What are the morphological characteristics of the inferior articular facets of C1?
Asymmetrical, Slightly concave or flattened
What is the orientation of the inferior articular facets of C1?
BMD
Backward, Medial, Downward
What is the joint classification of the atlanto-axial zygapophysis?
Synovial Plane….(Diarthrosis arthrodia) Joint
What is the name of the rounded elevation on the medial aspect of the lateral mass of C1?
Tubercle for the transverse atlantal ligament
What muscles attach to the lateral mass of C1?
1) Levator Scapulae
2) Splenius Cervicis
3) Rectus capitis anterior
What part of C1 represents the spinous process?
Posterior tubercle of the posterior arch
What is the distance from the posterior tubercle of the posterior arch to the skin in each gender?
Male: about 50mm
Female: about 37mm
What attaches to the posterior tubercle of the posterior arch of C1?
1) Rectus Capitis posterior minor
2) Ligamentum Nuchae
What superior surface modifications of the posterior arch of C1 are present?
1) Groove/Sulcus for the vertebral artery
2) Arcuate rim
What attaches to the arcuate rim of C1?
Posterior atlanto-occipital ligament
Ossification of the free margin of the posterior atlanto-occipital ligament results in which atypical bone classification?
Accessory bone
What is the earliest age of development where ossification of the anterior free margin of the posterior atlanto-occipital ligament was observed?
about 7 years old.
Based on the amount of ossification of the anterior free margin of the posterior atlanto-occipital ligament what structures will form?
Complete/Incomplete Ponticulus Posticus
What other name may be used to identify a Ponticulus Posticus?
Kimmerle’s anomaly
What names are given to the opening of the Ponticulus Posticus?
Arcuate foramen
Retroarticular canal
Ponticulus Posticus has been observed in what ethnic populations?
ALL ethnic populations studied thus far
What is the general range of incidence of Ponticulus Posticus in the populations studied?
1-41%
What is the gender bias now associated with Ponticulus Posticus?
Female
What is the incidence of a complete vs a incomplete Ponticulus Posticus?
incomplete: as high as 41%
Complete: 15 %
What are the osseous parts of the transverse process of C1?
1) Costal element
2) Posterior tubercle
3) True transverse process
What muscles attach to the transverse process of C1?
1) Rectus capitis (ANT. LATERALLIS)
2) Middle scalene
3) Levator Scapulae
4) Splenius Cervicis
5) Obliquus Capitis (SUP., INF.)
6) Intertransversarii
What suboccipital muscles are known to have fascial projections attaching to the spinal Dura?
1) Rectus Capitis posterior minor
2) Recuts Capitis posterior Major
3) Obliquus Capitis Inferior
What are the connections between suboccipital muscles and the spinal dura called?
Myodural bridges
What are the lateral bridges of atlas connected to?
Lateral mass
Transverse process of atlas
What forms of the lateral bridges are observed in the population?
Incomplete
Complete
What opening is identified when a complete lateral bridge is formed?
Retrotransverse foramen
What are the possible contents of the retrotransverse foramen?
1) vertebral artery
2) branch from the suboccipital N.
3) Veins communicating with the Venous sinuses of the neck
Which of the ponticles (bridges) of atlas is most numerous?
Ponticulus Posticus
Which of the ponticles (bridges) of atlas is only observed in humans?
Lateral bridges
What is observed in the transverse foramen of C1?
1) Vertebral A.
2) Vertebral Venous Plexus
3) Postganglionic sympathetic motor nerve fibers
What is the gender variation for measurements of the transverse diameter of C1?
Male: 78 mm
Female: 72mm
What is the distance from the posterior tubercle of the transverse process of C1 to the skin for each gender?
little over 30mm for both M and F
How many synovial joint surfaces are observed at C1?
5
What is another name given to the axis vertebra?
Epistropheus
What unique vertebral body modification is characteristic of C2?
Dens/ Odontoid process
How many joint surfaces are present on the odontoid process of C2?
5
What joint surfaces are present on the odontoid process of C2?
1) Facet for fovea dentis
2) groove for the transverse atlantal ligament
3) attachment sites for the alar ligaments
4) Attachment sites for the apical-dental ligament
What is the name/classification given to the odontoid process when the tip of the dens is directed posterior?
Lordotic dens
What is the name/classification given to the odontoid process when the tip of the dens is directed anterior?
Kyphotic dens
What joint classifications are present at the vertebral body of C2?
1) fibrous (amphiarthrosis) Syndesmosis
2) Synovial Pivot (diarthrosis trochoid)
3) Modified synovial saddle (diarthrosis Sellar)
4) Cartilaginous (amphiarthrosis) symphysis
What ligament will represent the cranial continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament?
Membrana tectoria
What ligament forms the anterior boundary for the spinal canal above C2?
Membrana Tectoria
What ligament forms the anterior bouindary for the spinal canal below C2?
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
What is the location of the superior vertebral notch of C2?
On the Lamina-Pedicle junction
What attaches to the lamina of C2?
1) Ligamentum Flavum
2) Obliquus capitis inferior muscle
3) Posterior atlanto-axial ligament
What is the appearance of the superior articular facets of C2?
Asymmetrical
Slightly Convex
What is the facet orientation of the superior articular facets of C2?
BUL
Backward, Upward, Lateral
What is the orientation of the inferior articular facets of C2?
FoLD
Forward, Lateral, Down
What muscle attaches to the articular process of C2?
Longissimus Cervicis
What will be observed in the transverse foramen at C2?
1) Vertebral A.
2) Vertebral venous plexus
3) Postganglionic sympathetic motor N. fibers
What is the gender variation for the transverse diameter of C2?
Males: 57mm
Females: 50mm
What muscles attach to the transverse process of C2?
1) Levator Scapulae
2) Middle scalene
3) Splenius Cervicis
4) Longissimus Cervicis
5) Intertansversarii
What is the characteristic appearance of the C2 spinous process in humans?
bifid
What muscles attach to the spinous process of C2?
1) Rectus Capitis posterior Major
2) Obliquus Capitis inferior
3) Spinalis Cervicis
4) Semispinalis cervicis
5) Multifidis
6) Rotators
7) Interspinalis
What ligaments attach to the spinous process of C2?
1) Ligamentum Nuchae
2) Interspinous ligaments
What names may be given to C7?
Vertebra prominens
Vertebral Prominence
What is the name given to the topographical elevation observed at the base of the neck?
Vertebral Prominence
What name is given to C7 only?
Vertebra Prominens
In what percent of men and women does C7 become the vertebral prominence?
Male: 86 %
Female: 79 %
What is the segment and gender bias for the vertebrae other than C7 becoming the vertebral prominence?
C6 more common in Females
T1 more common in Males
How many joint surfaces are present at the vertebral body of C7?
8
What joint classifications are observed at the vertebral body of C7?
1) Fibrous (amphiarthrosis) Syndesmosis
2) Cartilaginous (amphiarthrosis) Symphysis
3) Modified synovial Saddle (diarthrosis sellar)
What muscle(s) attache(s) to the vertebral body of C7?
Longus Colli
What features are typically present in the transverse foramen of C7?
1) Vertebral venous plexus
2) Postganglionic sympathetic motor N. fibers
What muscles attach to the transverse process of C7?
1) Middle Scalene
2) Iliocostalis Thoracis
3) Longissimus cervicis
4) Semispinalis capitis
5) Rotators
6) Intertransversarii
7) Levator Costarum brevis
What is the orientation of the superior articular facet of C7?
BUM
Backward, Upward, Medial
What is the orientation of the inferior articular facet of C7?
ForMeD
Forward, Medial, downward
What muscles will attach to the articular process of C7?
1) Longissimus cervicis
2) Longissimus capitis
3) Semispinalis cervicis
4) Multifidis
What muscles attach to the spinous process of C7?
1) Trapezius
2) Rhomboid minor
3) Serratus posterior superior
4) Splenius Capitis
5) Spinalis capitis, Cervicis
6) Semispinalis thoracis
7) Multifidis
8) rotators
9) Interspinalis
What ligaments attach to the spinous process of C7?
1) Ligamentum Nuchae
2) Interspinous Ligaments
The vertebral artery on which side is typically larger?
Left Vertebral A.
What is the gender bias regarding size of the vertebral A.?
Male: Larger
What was the name of the physical exam used to determine vertebral artery patency?
Vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency test
Which side artery was tested during the course of the vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency exam?
Ipsilateral artery on the side of rotation
Typically, at what vertebral level will the vertebral artery fist become located in the transverse foramen?
C6
At what location will the vertebral artery form its first compensatory loop?
Atlanto-axial interspace
At what location will the vertebral artery form its second compensatory loop?
Atlanto-occipital interspace
At what segments will the vertebral artery be firmly attached to the transverse foramen?
Both C1 and C2
What is the purpose of the vertebral artery loops between C2, C1 and occiput?
Increase length will accommodate the greater rotation at these locations.
What happens to the vertebral artery after it enters the subarachnoid space at C1?
Vertebral artery ascends along the medulla oblongata to the pontine- medullary junction where the right and left arteries unite to form the basilar artery.
What forms the boundaries for the exit of C1 nerve form the spinal canal?
Occipital condyle Superior articular process of C1 Capsular ligament Arcuate rim Groove for the vertebral artery Posterior atlanto-occipital ligament
What forms the anterior boundary for the C2 nerve exit from the spinal canal?
Inferior articular process of C1
Superior articular process of C2
Capsular ligament
Which suboccipital muscles attach to C1?
1) Rectus Capitis Posterior minor
2) Obliquus capitis superior
3) Obliquus capitis inferior
Which sub occipital muscles attach to C2?
1) Rectus capitis posterior major
2) Obliquus capitis inferior
Which erector spinae muscles attach to the cervical spine?
1) Iliocostalis Thoracis
2) Iliocostalis Cervicis
3) Longissimus Cervicis
4) Longissimus Capitis
5) Spinalis Cervicis
6) Spinalis Capitis
Which transversospinalis muscles attach to the cervical spine?
1) Semispinalis Cervicis
2) Semispinalis Capitis
3) Multifidis
4) Rotators
What joint classifications are present at C1?
1) Synovial (diarthrosis) Ellipsoidal
2) Synovial pivot (diarthrosis trochoid)
3) Synovial Plane (diarthrosis arthrodia)
4) Fibrous (amphiarthrosis) Syndesmosis
What joint classifications are present at C2?
1) Synovial Pivot (diarthrosis trochoid)
2) Synovial Plane (diarthrosis arthrodia)
3) Modified Synovial Saddle (diarthrosis sellar)
4) Fibrous (amphiarthrosis) Syndesmosis
5) Cartilaginous (amphiarthrosis) Symphysis
What joint classifications are present at each typical cervical?
1) Synovial Plane (diarthrosis arthrodia)
2) Modified Synovial saddle ( diarthrosis sellar)
3) Fibrous (amphiarthrosis) Syndesmosis
4) Cartilaginous (amphiarthrosis) Symphysis
What joint classifications are present at C7?
1) Synovial Plane (diarthrosis arthrodia)
2) Modified Synovial Saddle (diarthrosis sellar)
3) Fibrous (amphiarthrosis) Syndesmosis
4) Cartilaginous (amphiarthrosis) Symphysis
What forms the boundaries for the exit of the C2 nerve from the spinal canal?
1) Inferior Articular Process of C1
2) Superior Articular Process of C2
3) Capsular ligament
4) Inferior Vertebral Notch of C1
5) Superior Vertebral Notch of C2
6) Posterior arch of C1
7) Lamina of C2
8) Posterior atlanto-axial ligament
What forms the posterior boundary for the C2 nerve exit from the spinal canal?
1) Posterior arch of C1
2) Lamina of C2
3) Posterior atlanto-axial ligament
What forms the anterior boundary for the C3-C7 nerve exit from the spinal canal?
1) Vertebral bodies
2) Intervertebral disc
3) Posterior longitudinal Ligament
4) Uncinate process
5) Lateral groove
What forms the anterior boundary for the C8 nerve exit from the spinal canal?
1) Vertebral bodies of C7 and T1
2) Intervertebral disc
3) Posterior longitudinal ligament
4) Capsular ligament of the costocentral ligament
5) Superior costal facet of T1
6) Articular surface of the first rib
What are the superior articular facet orientations for the cervical vertebrae?
1) C1 is BMD
2) C2-C6 is FoLD
3) C7 is ForMeD
What are the inferior articular facet orientations for the cervical vertebra?
1) C1 is BMD
2) C2-C6 is FoLD
3) C7 is ForMeD
How many synovial joints are identified for each cervical vertebra?
C1= 5 C2= 8 C3-C6= 8 C7= 6
How many joints are identified at the vertebral body of each cervical vertebra?
C1= none C2= 10 C3-C6= 10 C7= 8
What features will allow discrimination between T2-T4 and T5-T8 segmental groups?
1) Vertebral body
2) Transverse process
3) Articular process
4) Spinous Process
What is the name given to the left side appearance of the vertebral body of T5-T8?
Aortic Impression
What part of the vertebral body is most influenced by the aorta at T5-T8?
Left Superior and Inferior Epiphyseal rim
What is the height pattern of the typical thoracic vertebral body?
Posterior height is GREATER than the Anterior height by 1-2 mm.
What is the principal cause of the posterior curve of the thoracic spine?
Vertebral body height differences
In terms of the anterior-posterior curves of the vertebral column, what direction will the thoracic spine face?
Posterior
What is another way of naming a posterior curve pattern?
Kyphotic Curve
How many synovial joints are formed at the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?
4
How many symphysis joints are formed with the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?
2
How many joints are formed at the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?
Typically 10
14 if Costocentral stellate/radiate ligaments are included
How many Costocentral joints are formed at the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?
4
Which of the demi-facets on the vertebral body of a typical thoracic is larger?
Superior costal demi-facet
What feature will provide assistance in maintaining the stability of the intervertebral foramen in the typical thoracics?
Costocentral joint or ribs
What is the size relationship between the articulating surface of the head of the rib and the costal demi-facet surface?
Rib surface is GREATER than the Costal demi-facet
Which muscle(s) is attached to the vertebral body of T2 or T3?
Longus Colli
Which X-ray view is used to see into the intervertebral foramen of a typical thoracic?
lateral view
Which vertebral notch or incisure is said to be prominent?
Inferior vertebral notch/Incisure
What is overlap of the lamina called in the typical thoracic region?
Shingling
In which plane will the size of the vertebral foramen of a typical thoracic be greatest?
Transverse plane
Vertebral transverse diameter
What is the distance between the transverse tubercles in the typical thoracic region?
From T2 each transverse diameter becomes shorter as the transverse processes angle more posterior
What is present on the transverse tubercle of a typical thoracic?
Transverse costal facet
What is the classification of the costotransverse joint?
Synovial plane (diarthrosis arthrodia) joint
What are the osseous parts of the costotransverse joint ?
Transverse costal facet and the articular surface of the tubercle of a rib.
What ligaments support the costotransverse joint of a typical thoracic?
1) Superior costotransverse
2) Inferior costotransverse
3) Lateral costotransverse ligament
Which muscle may attach to the transverse process of a typical thoracic?
1) Longissimus thoracis, Cervicis, Capitis
2) Semispinalis thoracis, Cervicis, Capitis
3) Multifidis
4) Rotator Longus, Brevis
5) Intertransversarii
6) Levator Costarum Longus
7) Levator Costarum Brevis
How do the transverse diameters of the articular processes compare in the T2-T4 region?
Superior articular process transverse diameter is GREATER than the Inferior articular process transverse diameter for a given segment.
How do the transverse diameters of the articular processes compare in the T5-T8 region?
Superior articular process transverse diameter is the SAME/EQUAL to the inferior articular process transverse diameter for a given segment
What is the orientation of the superior articular facet of a typical thoracic?
Backward, Upward, and Lateral
BUL
What is the orientation of the inferior articular facet of a typical thoracic?
Forward, downward, medial
ForMeD
How many synovial joints are present on a typical thoracic?
10
Identify the synovial joint surfaces present on a typical thoracic.
1) Two superior costal demi-facets
2) Two inferior costal demi-facets
3) Two Transverse costal facets
4) Two Superior articular facets
5) Two inferior articular facets
What is the name given to the overlap of the spinous processes in the thoracic region?
Imbrication
Imbrication will be more pronounced for what region of the thoracic vertebrae?
T5-T8
Which thoracic has the longest spinous process?
T8
What is the angulation of the spinous process of T2-T4?
Undersurface of T2-T4 spinous processes will angle up to 45 degrees from the horizontal plane.
What is the angulation of the spinous process of T5-T8?
Undersurface of T5-T8 spinous processes will angle up to 60 degrees from the horizontal plane.
What joint classification is associated with typical thoracic spinous process ligaments?
Fibrous (amphiarthrosis) Syndesmosis joint
Which muscles attach to the spinous process of a typical thoracic?
1) Layer — Trapezius, Latissimus dorsi
2) Layer— Rhomboid Major
3) Layer— Serratus Posterior Superior
4) Layer— Spinalis thoracis, Cervicis, Capitis
5) Layer— Semispinalis Thoracis, Multifidis, rotator Longus, Rotator Brevis
Interspinalis, Splenius Cervicis, Capitis
What is the appearance of the superior surface of the vertebral body of T1?
Somewhat cup-shaped with elevations at the posterior and lateral margin.
What may the elevations on the vertebral body of T1 represent?
Uncinate processes
What is the appearance of the inferior surface of the vertebral body of T1?
Typically flat, Lacking anterior and posterior lips characteristic of the cervicals.
How many synovial joints are formed at the vertebral body of T1?
four normally
How many symphysis joints are formed with the vertebral body of T1?
2
How many syndesmosis joints are formed at the vertebral body T1?
What if you include rib articulations?
Typically 4
If ribs are included as many as 8.
How many joints are formed at the vertebral body of T1?
What if you include the rib ligaments?
Typically 10
If rib ligaments are included 14.
How many Costocentral joints are formed at the vertebral body of T1?
4
What synovial joint surfaces are present on the T1 vertebral body?
1) Right and Left superior costal facet
2) Right and Left inferior costal demi-facet
What is the rib - vertebral body combination at the intervertebral foramen for the 8th cervical nerve?
Vertebral body–T1
Rib–1
Superior costal facet of T1 will join with articular surface of the head of Rib 1.
What ligament supports the Costocentral joint of the first rib?
Costocentral stellate/radiate Ligament
What ligaments support the Costocentral joint of the second rib?
1) Costocentral stellate/radiate ligament
2) Costocentral Interarticular or intra-articular ligament
Which muscles attach to the vertebral body of T1?
Longus Colli
What ligaments support the costotransverse joint of T1?
1) Inferior costotransverse Ligament
2) Lateral costotransverse ligament
What ligament is absent at the costotransverse joint of T1?
Superior costotransverse ligament
Which costotransverse joint will the superior costotransverse ligament of T1 support?
The second rib costotransverse joint