Vertebral Column Flashcards
Which two vertebral curvatures are anteriorly concave?
Thoracic and pelvic
What is the name of the short, thick bony processes that project posteriorly from the lateral and superior aspects of vertebral bodies of typical vertebrae?
Pedicles
From the junction of which two vertebral structures do transverse processes originate in typical vertebrae?
Pedicle and lamina
Which structure of a typical vetrebra are the zygapophyses?
Articular processes
On which structure is the dens located
C2
which structure is known as the “atlas”?
C1
Which structure is known as the “axis”?
C2
Which vertebral structures have bifid tips?
Spinous processes of cervical vertebrae
How do zygapophyseal joints open in cervical vertebrae?
90 degrees laterally
How do zygapophyseal joints open in thoracic vertebrae?
70 to 75 degrees anteriorly
Which structure articulate with vertebral demifacets?
heads of ribs
How do zygapophyseal joints open in lumbar vertebrae?
30 to 60 degrees posteriorly
Which parts of the sacrum form the joints with the ilia of the pelvis?
Auricular surfaces
How should the IR be positioned for the AP axial projection of the cervical vertebral column?
Centered at C4
What should be done so that the magnified shoulder farthest from the IR is projected below the lower cervical vertebrae for the lateral projection of the cervical vertebrae?
Direct a horizontal central ray to C4
What should be done to prevent mandibular rami from superimposing cervical vertebrae in the lateral projection of the cervical vertebral column?
Elevate the chin
Which position of the cervical vertebral column best demonstrates the left intervertebral foramina when the central ray is angled 15 to 20 degrees cephalad?
RPO
Which position of the cervical vertebral column best demonstrates the right intervertebral foramina when the central ray is angled 15 to 20 degrees caudad?
RAO
What is the proper amount of head and body rotation for the PA axial oblique projection of the cervical vertebrae?
45 degree
For the AP projection of the thoracic vertebral column with the patient in the supine position, why should the patient’s hips and knees be flexed?
To reduce kyphosis
Which projection of the vertebral column best demonstrates scoliosis?
PA projection of the thoracolumbar vertebral column
Why should the patient flex the hips and knees for the AP projection of the lumbar vertebrae?
To reduce lumbar lordosis
Where should the central ray be directed for the AP projection of only the lumbar vertebrae?
L4
Which vertebral structure are best demonstrated with the AP oblique projection of the lumbar vertebral column with the patient positioned in a 45 degree RPO?
Zygapophyseal joints of the right side
Which vertebral structure are best demonstrated with the AP oblique projection of the lumbar vertebral column with the patient positioned in a 45 degree LPO?
Zygapophyseal joints of the right side
Which positioning error most likely occurred if the zygapophyseal joints were not well demonstrated and the pedicle was quite anterior on the vertebral body in a image of an AP oblique projection of teh lumbar vertebrae?
The patient was not rotated enough.
How many degrees of body rotation are necessary for the AP oblique projection of the lumbar vertebrae?
45 degrees
How many degrees and in which direction should the central ray be directed for an AP axial projection of the lumboscaral junction and SI joints?
30 to 35 degrees cephalad
Which projection best demonstrates the right SI joint?
AP oblique with patient in the LPO position
Which projection best demonstrates the right SI joint?
AP oblique with patient in the RPO position
How many degrees of body rotation from the supine position are required for an AP oblique projection of the SI joints?
25 to 30 degrees
How many degrees and in which direction should the central ray be directed for AP axial projections of the sacrum?
15 degrees cephalad
How many degrees and in which direction should the central ray be directed for AP axial projections of the coccyx?
10 degrees caudad
Which projection of the Ferguson method should be performed to best evaluate scoliosis?
Upright PA
