Vertebrae and back

Question 1

Components of the vertebral arch

Answer 1

Spinous process

Lamina

Superior articular process

Pedicles

Transverse process

Question 2

What nerves supply the following

• Trapezius
• Latissimus dorsi
• Levator scapulae
• Rhomboids, major and minor

Answer 2

Trapezius - spinal accessory (CN IX), sensory - C3, C4

Latissimus dorsi - thoracodorsal nerve

Levator scapulae - dorsal scapular and direct C3-C4 fibres

Rhomboids, major and minor - dorsal scapular

Question 3

What are the superficial muscles of the back?

Answer 3

Trapezius

Latissimus dorsi

Levator scapulae

Rhomboids, both major and minor

Question 4

What muscle makes up the intermediate layer of the back?

What nerves innervate this muscle?

Answer 4

Serratus posterior

Associated with movements of the thoracic rib cage, and so is innervated by the intercostal nerves

Question 5

What muscle group makes up the deep layer of muscles of the back?

What muscles are in this group? What are they innervated by?

Answer 5

The erector spinae muscles (I Love Sports)

• Iliocostalis
• Longissimus
• Spinalis
  others. ..

Innervated by posterior rami of spinal nerves

Question 6

What kind of joint links the vertebral bodies?

Answer 6

Facet joints between the vertebral arches

Question 7

At what vertebral level does the spinal cord end?

Answer 7

L1

Question 8

Which nerve roots contribute to the sciatic nerve?

Answer 8

L4, L5, S1, S2 and S3

Question 9

What is cauda equina syndrome typically caused by?

Answer 9

Pressure (usually due to a prolapsed disc) on all lumbrosacral nerve roots at the level of the lesion, including the sacral nerve roots for bladder and bowel control (S2-S4)

Question 10

What two anatomical landmarks can be used to guide the location for a lumbar puncture?

Answer 10

Posterior Iliac Crest (L4)

Posterior Superior Iliac Spine (S2)