Vertebral column

Question 1

3 aspects of thoracic vertebrae.

Answer 1

Facets on side of body to articulate with the ribs
Facets on transverse process to articulate with tubercle of rib.
Small vertebral foramen.

Question 2

4 aspects of lumbar vertebrae.

Answer 2

Large body.
No facets.
No transeverse foramina.
Articular process approximately in the saggital plane.

Question 3

Name of C1 and C2

Answer 3

C1 - atlas

C2 -axis

Question 4

Describe the atlas - 3 aspects.

Answer 4

Lacks body.
Lacks spinous process.
Widest cervical vertebra.

Question 5

Describe axis - 3 aspects.

Answer 5

Dens (Odontoid process where body would be)
Rugged lateral mass
Large bifid spinous process

Question 6

Give three joints in the spinal cord.

Answer 6

Atlanto-occipital
Atlanto-axial
Facet (zygophyseal) joints

Question 7

Describe the Atlanto-occipital joint. What movements does it allow?

Answer 7

Consoles of occiput to articulate processes of atlas.

Allows flexion and extension of the head.

Question 8

Describe the Atlanto-axial joint. Movement?

Answer 8

Atlas to axis articulate processes.

Permits rotation of the head.

Question 9

Describe zygophyseal joints.

Answer 9

Between superior and inferior articulate processes of adjacent vertebrae.
Allow flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation.
Prevent anterior displacement.

Question 10

Describe the two aspects of the intervertebral disc

Answer 10

Annulus fibrosus
- fibrocartilage discs permitting tilting and shock absorption.
Nucleus pulposus
- central mucous portion
- high osmotic pressure
- water reservoir for disk

Question 11

Give 4 ligaments in the spinal cord.

Answer 11

Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments.
Ligamentum flavum.
Interspinous ligament.
Supraspinous ligament.

Question 12

Describe the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments.

Answer 12

Extend along entire length of column.

Anterior and posterior to body in vertebral foramen.

Question 13

Describe the ligamentum flavum.

Answer 13

Attached to adjacent laminae.

High elastic content.

Question 14

Describe the Interspinous ligament.

Answer 14

Unite spinous processes along borders.

Question 15

describe the supra spinous ligament.

Answer 15

Connect tips of spinous processes.

Question 16

What are the supra spinous ligaments in the cervical region known as?

Answer 16

Ligamentum nuchae.

Question 17

Which ligament prevents excessive extension?

Answer 17

Anterior longitudinal ligament

Question 18

Which ligament prevents excessive flexion

Answer 18

Posterior longitudinal.
Ligamentum flavum.
Interspinous ligament
Supra spinous ligament.

Question 19

How is tension maintained in the intervertebral disc?

Answer 19

Fluid absorption by the cellular matrix during spinal movement.

Question 20

What happens if the tension within the intervertebral disc falls?

Answer 20

Annulus fibrosus is subject to stress.

Nucleus pulposus herniated as annulus fibrosus softens.

Question 21

Which way does the nucleus pulposus protrude? Significance?

Answer 21

Postero-laterally

This causes pressure on spinal nerves, causing pain.

Question 22

Describe the development of the primary curvature.

Answer 22

Foetus develops anterior C shaped curvature.

Question 23

Describe the development of the secondary curvatures.

Answer 23

Postnatally
Child holding head up results in development of anterior cervical convexity.
Standing and walking results in anterior lumbar convexity.

Question 24

Define kyphosis

Answer 24

Exaggeration of posterior thoracic curvature (hunchback)

Question 25

Define lordosis

Answer 25

Exaggeration of anterior lumbar curvature

Occurs in pregnancy

Question 26

Define scoliosis

Answer 26

Lateral deviation of the spinal cord

Question 27

Define cervical condyloidosis

Answer 27

Wear and tear arthritis
RA affects atlantoaxial joint due to complex synovial.
Stretching of transverse ligament permits head and flaw to slip forward causing the dens to compress the spinal cord

Question 28

4 aspects of cervical vertebrae

Answer 28

Small body
Biggie spinous process
Transverse foramen in transverse process
Large vertebral foramen