Vertebral column

Question 1

Name C1 and 2

Answer 1

Atlas and Axis

Question 2

Describe C1

Answer 2

round
No transverse foramen, vertebral body or spinous process (posterior tubercle)
facet for dens anteriorly, and transverse liagment
large, flat superior articular facets

Question 3

Describe C2

Answer 3

bifid spinous process
large, flat superior articular facets
dens
No transverse foramen

Question 4

What ligaments hold the dens and what is its function?

Answer 4

Alar and transverse ligaments, provides pivot around which the atlas can turn.

Question 5

List 3 distinguishing features of a cervical vertebra

Answer 5

Bifid Spinous processes
transverse foramen- contain vertebral artery/ vein
Large, Triangular vertebral foramen

Question 6

List 3 distinguishing features of a thoracic vertebra

Answer 6

Heart shaped vertebral body, with costal demifacets
large transverse processes with costal facets
Long spinous processes

Question 7

List 3 distinguishing features of a lumbar vertebra

Answer 7

Short, hatchet shaped spinous process
superior articular facets face medially
short transverse processes

Question 8

What is the sacral hiatus?

Answer 8

posteriorly, The incomplete sacral canal forms and inverted “V” inferiorly, sacral hiatus

Question 9

How many bones fuse to form sacrum and coccyx

Answer 9

5, 4

Question 10

which curvatures are kyphoses

Answer 10

thoracic and sacral, these are primary curvatures

Question 11

which curvatures are lordoses

Answer 11

lumbar and cervical

Question 12

What is scoliosis?

Answer 12

abnormal lateral curvature of the spine and rotation of the spinous processes towards the curvature. Common in pubertal girls due to;
Asymmetric weakness of muscles on one side
failure of half vertebra to develop
difference in length of lower limbs

Question 13

which spinous process is most visible

Answer 13

C7

Question 14

Where are the zygpophyseal joints located?

Answer 14

between the articular facets of adjacent vertebrae, allow movement of vertebral column

Question 15

Name the two parts that make up the inter vertebral discs

Answer 15

Anulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus

Question 16

Where does the anterior longitudinal ligament run?

Answer 16

along the anterolateral vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs
from clavicle to sacrum

Question 17

What is the function of the anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 17

limits hyper extension of vertebral column

Question 18

Where does the posterior longitudinal ligament run?

Answer 18

along vertebral bodies NOT intervertebal discs

from C2 to sacrum

Question 19

What is the function of the posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 19

prevents hyperflexion of vertebral column.

Prevents herniation of IV discs posteriorly

Question 20

Where is the ligamentum flavum located?

Answer 20

between the lamina of adjacent vertebrae

Question 21

What is the function of the ligamentum flavum

Answer 21

forms posterior wall of vertebral canal
resists separation of laminae
helps to preserve normal curvatures/ straighten spine after stretching

Question 22

Where is the ligamentum nuchae located?

Answer 22

from the external occipital protrubance and posterior border of foramen magnum to the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae

Question 23

What is the function of the ligamentum nuchae

Answer 23

provides attachements for muscles

Question 24

What is the function of the interspinous ligaments?

Answer 24

Limit flexion of the vertebral column

Question 25

Where does the interspinous ligament run

Answer 25

between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae