Vertebral Column and Back

Question 1

Boundaries of the spine

Answer 1

First thoracic vertebra to the tip of the coccyx

Question 2

Parts of the spine
1)
2)

Answer 2

1) Vertebral column

2) Muscle compartments (2xmuscle compartments

Question 3

Parts of the vertebral column
1)
2)

Answer 3

1) Intervertebral joints and discs

2) Vertebral canal (and intervertebral foramen)

Question 4

Muscle compartments of the spine
1)
2)

Answer 4

1) Superficial

2) Deep

Question 5

Where does the spinal cord sit?

Answer 5

In the vertebral canal

Question 6

What attaches to every spinal cord segment?

Answer 6

A posterior root (sensory) and an anterior root (motor)

Question 7

Where does a posterior root of the spinal cord enter

Answer 7

Dorsal root ganglion

Question 8

What are the dorsal root ganglia?

Answer 8

Cell bodies of sensory neurons

Question 9

Number of spinal cord segments

Answer 9

C - 8
T - 12
L -5
S - 5

Question 10

Where does the spinal cord terminate?

Answer 10

Between L1 and L2

Question 11

Number of cervical nerves vs number of cervical vertebrae

Answer 11

8 cervical nerves, only 7 cervical vertebrae

Question 12

Lordotic curves

Answer 12

Curves that develop in the primary foetal C-shaped spinal curvature

Question 13

Order of lordotic curves

Answer 13

1) Cervical bend (lifting head)

2) Lumbar bend (walking)

Question 14

Scoliosis

Answer 14

Abnormal lateral spinal curvature

Question 15

Kyphosis

Answer 15

Abnormal thoracic curvature (anterior/posterior curvature)

Question 16

Abnormal lordosis

Answer 16

Abnormal lumbar curvature

Question 17

Parts of a typical vertebra
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

Answer 17

1) Body
2) Pedicles
3) Transverse processes
4) Articular processes
5) Laminae
6) Spinous processes

Question 18

Parts of the vertebral arch
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Answer 18

1) Pedicles
2) Transverse processes
3) Articular processe
4) Laminae
5) Spinous processes

Question 19

How do lumbar and thoracic vertebrae differ?
1)
2)

Answer 19

1) Lumbar vertebrae larger than thoracic

2) Thoracic have attachments for ribs (articular facets, demifacets)

Question 20

Location of articular demifacets

Answer 20

Thoracic vertebra

Vertebral body

Question 21

Location of articular facets

Answer 21

Thoracic vertebra

Transverse processes

Question 22

How many times does a rib attach to a thoracic verteba?

Answer 22

Twice (Once on body, once on transverse process)

Question 23

Where must a lumbar tap be below?

Answer 23

L1/L2, so as not to puncture spinal cord

Question 24

What does the spinal cord become below L1/L2?

Answer 24

Cauda equina

Question 25

Where in the spinal cord are sensory and motor nerves mixed?

Answer 25

Below L1/L2

Question 26

What is the intervertabral foramen?

Answer 26

A passage for spinal nerves and vessels | Formed by notches on pedicles of adjacent vertebrae

Question 27

What is always in intervertabral foramen?

Answer 27

Dorsal root ganglia

Question 28

What is the nucleus pulposis?

Answer 28

Intervertebral discs Incompressible, deformable Keep the vertebra apart

Question 29

What is the annulus fibrosis?

Answer 29

Keeps nucleus pulposis in place Keeps the vertebra together Limits range of movement ~50% of fibers resist force in a given direction

Question 30

What kind of joints are those in the spine?

Answer 30

Secondary cartilaginous joints

Question 31

What are the ligaments of the vertebral column? 1) 2)

Answer 31

1) Ligamentum flavum | 2) Posterior longitudinal

Question 32

What does the posterior longitudinal ligament do when passing over an IV disc?

Answer 32

Expands

Question 33

Where does the posterior longitudinal ligament expand?

Answer 33

When passing over an IV disc

Question 34

Where is the ligamentum flavum located

Answer 34

In intravertebral canal

Question 35

Where is the posterior longitudinal ligament located?

Answer 35

Along posterior of vertebral column

Question 36

Are there more elastic fibers in the ligamentum flavum or posterior longitudinal ligament?

Answer 36

Ligamentum flavum

Question 37

What kind of joint is between vertebral arches?

Answer 37

Plane synovial joint

Question 38

Properties of plane synovial joints

Answer 38

Limit, guide range of movement

Question 39

Types of movements permitted by lumbar vertebae

Answer 39

Flexion, extension

Question 40

Types of movements permitted by thoracic vertebrae

Answer 40

Rotation

Question 41

What do the latissimus dorsi attach to on the midline?

Answer 41

A large aponeurosis on the spine

Question 42

Role of erector spinae

Answer 42

Returning flexed spine to upright posture | Concentrically act in flexion

Question 43

Role of transversospinalis

Answer 43

Short muscles that act as fixators | Prevent excess movement that can lead to instability

Question 44

Three types of disc prolapse

Answer 44

Bulge Herniation Extrusion

Question 45

Does a prolapsed disc always hurt?

Answer 45

No | If a bulge doesn't enter an innervated area, no pain

Question 46

Where do discs commonly prolapse into?

Answer 46

Posterolaterally Because of shape of posterior longitudinal ligament Can impinge on nerve roots

Question 47

Structures threatened by disc prolapse

Answer 47

Nerve roots

Question 48

What happens in the spine in old age?

Answer 48

Disc narrows To prevent bones rubbing, osteophytes form to limit movement in spine This can compress or damage nerve roots (spinal canal, IV foramen)