Vertebral Column

Question 1

Where is the pedicle on a vertebra?

Answer 1

It’s the bilateral bit joining the body of the vertebra to the spines

Question 2

Where is the lamina on a vertebra?

Answer 2

From the pedicle, these project posteromedially to form the spinous process

Question 3

What attaches to the vertebral laminae?

Answer 3

Ligamentum flavae

Question 4

What attaches to the thoracic transverse processes?

Answer 4

Costal cartilage, via articular process

Question 5

What structure is unique to cervical vertebrae?

Answer 5

Transverse foraminae (for vertebral arteries)

Question 6

Recall the normal degrees of flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation for the cervical spine

Answer 6

Flexion (looking down): 45 degrees Extension (looking up): 45 degrees Lateral flexion (Indian nod): 45 degrees Rotation (no): 80 degrees

Question 7

Recall the normal degrees of flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation for the upper thoracic spine

Answer 7

Flexion: none Extension: no Lateral flexion: 30 degrees Rotation: 30 degrees

Question 8

Recall the normal degrees of flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation for the lower thoracic spine

Answer 8

Flexion: 30 degrees

Extension: 30 degrees

Lateral flexion: 45 degrees

Rotation: 45 degrees

Question 9

What is the name given to excessive thoracic curvature?

Answer 9

Exaggerated Kyphosis

Question 10

What is the name given to excessive lumbar curvature?

Answer 10

Exaggerated Lordosis

Question 11

Recall the normal primary and secondary curvatures of the spine

Answer 11

Primary = anterior-pointing; thoracic and sacral Secondary = posterior-pointing; cervical and lumbar

Question 12

Recall the names given to C1 and C2

Answer 12

C1 = Atlas C2 = Axis

Question 13

What is unique about the Atlas vertebra?

Answer 13

No body or spinous process

Question 14

What does the Atlas vertebra articulate with on its superior surface?

Answer 14

Occipital condyles

Question 15

What is the main weight-bearing component of the Atlas vertebra?

Answer 15

Lateral masses

Question 16

What is the strongest ligament of the Axis vertebra and what is its function?

Answer 16

Transverse ligament Produces foramen for dens of axis to articulate

Question 17

What head movement is produced at the Atlanto-axial joint?

Answer 17

“No” - rotation on superior articular facets of axis

Question 18

What joint is responsible for nodding of the head?

Answer 18

Atlanto-occipital joint

Question 19

What is the first vertebra visible as a bony landmark in the neck?

Answer 19

C7

Question 20

Recall the vertebral level of the medial end of the scapular spine

Answer 20

T3

Question 21

Recall the vertebral level of the inferior angle of the scapula

Answer 21

T7

Question 22

At what vertebral level is the iliac crest?

Answer 22

L4

Question 23

What sort of joints are the intervertebral joints?

Answer 23

Cartilaginous

Question 24

Recall the 2 main structural components of the intervertebral discs

Answer 24

Nucleus pulposus Anulus fibrosus

Question 25

What is the function of the ligamenta flava?

Answer 25

Connect adjacent laminae

Question 26

Recall the 5 main ligaments found in the spine

Answer 26

Longitudinal ligaments - anterior and posterior Interspinous Supraspinous Ligamenta flava

Question 27

Which meninges extend into the spine, and how far do they extend?

Answer 27

Arachnoid and dura –> S2

Question 28

Define sciatica

Answer 28

Prolapsed intervertebral disc

Question 29

Define spondolysis

Answer 29

Degeneration of intervertebral disc

Question 30

Define spondylolysis

Answer 30

Stress fracture of pars inerarticularis

Question 31

Define spondylolithesis

Answer 31

Forward displacement of vertebra

Question 32

Define spondylitis

Answer 32

Vertebral inflammation