Vertebrae Study Questions

Question 1

where is the body of the axis?

Answer 1

atlas: has no body nor spinous process
axis: strongest cervical vertebrae, anterior surrounding the dens, the vertical process/protuberance or projection which articulates with the face anterior portion of the atlas

Question 2

examine the differences in the vertebral foramen in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae

Answer 2

cervical: large and triangular
thoracic: circular and smaller than cervical or lumbar
lumbar: triangular, larger than thoracic, smaller than cervical

Question 3

what is the difference between the vertebral foramen and intervertebral foramen

Answer 3

VF: formed centrally by vertical stacking transmits spinal cord
IVF: formed laterally by vertical stacking transmits spinal nerves laterally

Question 4

spinous process

Answer 4

laminae meet posteriorly to form each SP

overlap the vertebrae below. attachments for ligaments and muscles

Question 5

transverse processes

Answer 5

there are 2
project from junction of pedicles and laminae
act as levers where deep back muscles attach, increasing leverage on spine

Question 6

articular processes

Answer 6

there are 4
project from junction of pedicles and laminae
superior processes project superiorly
inferior processes project inferiorly
each process has an articular facet

Question 7

zygapophyseal joints are

Answer 7

facet joints

articulation between superior and inferior articular facets

Question 8

stenosis

Answer 8

narrowing of a channel

Question 9

movements of the spine

Answer 9

whole column: flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation
between vertebral bodies: rocking, rotation, gliding
at zygapophyseal joints: gliding
cervical: greatest amount of flexion; lateral flexion, rotation
lumbar: greatest amount of extension and lateral flexion
thoracic: rotation is greatest