VERTEBRAL COLUMN MERRILLS STUDY GUIDE Flashcards
- All are functions of the vertebral column, except:
a. supports the trunk.
b. protects the spinal cord.
c. supports the skull.
d. produces cerebrospinal fluid.
d. produces cerebrospinal fluid.
- The vertebral column articulates with the hip bone at the:
a. sacroiliac joint.
b. pubic symphysis.
c. acetabulum.
d. L5-S1 joint.
a. sacroiliac joint.
- At birth, how many vertebrae make up the vertebral column?
a. 24
b. 27
c. 33
d. 54
c. 33
- How many vertebrae are there in the sacrum?
a. 3
b. 4
c. 5
d. 6
c. 5
- When viewed from the side, the vertebral column should present how many curves?
a. 2
b. 3
c. 4
d. 5
c. 4
- An abnormal increase in the convexity of the thoracic spine is termed:
a. scoliosis.
b. spondylosis.
c. lordosis.
d. kyphosis.
d. kyphosis.
- An abnormally increased concavity of the lumbar spine is termed:
a. lordosis.
b. kyphosis.
c. scoliosis.
d. scoliokyphosis.
a. lordosis.
- An abnormal lateral curvature of the spine is termed:
a. scoliosis.
b. kyphosis.
c. lordosis.
d. scoliokyphosis.
a. scoliosis.
- The short, thick processes that project posteriorly on each side of a vertebral body are called
the:
a. pedicles.
b. laminae.
c. transverse processes.
d. spinous processes.
a. pedicles.
- The articulations between the articular processes of the vertebral arches are called the _____
joints.
a. costovertebral
b. costotransverse
c. intervertebral
d. zygapophyseal
d. zygapophyseal
- The condition in which an intervertebral disk “slips” and protrudes into the vertebral canal is called:
a. vertebrogenesis.
b. spondylolysis.
c. spondylolisthesis.
d. herniated nucleus pulposus.
d. herniated nucleus pulposus.
- Which vertebral process projects posteriorly from the junction of the laminae and pedicles?
a. Spinous process
b. Transverse process
c. Superior articular process
d. Inferior articular process
a. Spinous process
- Spinal nerves and blood vessels exit the spinal column through the:
a. vertebral arch.
b. vertebral notches.
c. vertebral foramen.
d. intervertebral foramina.
d. intervertebral foramina.
- The part identified in this figure is the:
a. body.
b. lamina.
c. pedicle.
d. transverse process.
c. pedicle.
- The part identified in this figure is the:
a. vertebral arch.
b. vertebral foramen.
c. intervertebral foramina.
d. transverse foramen.
b. vertebral foramen.
- The part identified in this figure is the:
a. lamina.
b. pedicle.
c. superior articular process.
d. inferior articular process.
c. superior articular process.
- The first cervical vertebra is called the:
a. axis.
b. atlas.
c. dens.
d. vertebra prominens.
b. atlas.
- The vertebra prominens is the name given to the _____ vertebra.
a. first cervical
b. second cervical
c. seventh cervical
d. first thoracic
c. seventh cervical
- The part identified by the arrow on the vertebra in this figure is the:
a. superior articular process.
b. inferior articular process.
c. transverse process.
d. facet.
d. facet.
- The openings in the cervical vertebrae for the transmission of the vertebral artery and vein are
called the:
a. transverse foramen.
b. vertebral foramina.
c. intervertebral foramina.
d. inferior vertebral notch.
a. transverse foramen.
- The bony part identified in this figure is the:
a. spinous process.
b. transverse process.
c. pedicle.
d. lamina.
b. transverse process.
- The bony part identified in this figure is the:
a. lamina.
b. pedicle.
c. superior articular process.
d. inferior articular process.
a. lamina.
- The intervertebral foramina of the cervical spine open:
a. laterally.
b. 45 degrees anteriorly.
c. 70 degrees anteriorly.
d. 45 degrees anteriorly and 15 degrees inferiorly.
d. 45 degrees anteriorly and 15 degrees inferiorly.
- The zygapophyseal joints of the cervical spine are clearly demonstrated on which projection?
a. AP
b. Lateral
c. AP oblique
d. PA oblique
b. Lateral
- How many thoracic vertebrae have a small concave facet on the transverse process, for
articulation with the tubercle of a rib?
a. 7
b. 8
c. 10
d. 12
c. 10
- The zygapophyseal joints of the thoracic spine form an angle of how many degrees with the
midsagittal plane?
a. 45
b. 90
c. 15 to 20
d. 70 to 75
d. 70 to 75
- How much is the body rotated from the lateral position to demonstrate the zygapophyseal
joints of the thoracic region?
a. 30 degrees
b. 45 degrees
c. 15 to 20 degrees
d. 70 to 75 degrees
c. 15 to 20 degrees
- The intervertebral foramina of the thoracic spine are clearly demonstrated on which
projection?
a. AP
b. Lateral
c. PA oblique
d. AP oblique
b. Lateral
- The intervertebral foramina of the thoracic spine form an angle of how many degrees with the
midsagittal plane?
a. 45
b. 90
c. 15 to 20
d. 70 to 75
b. 90
- The part identified on the lumbar vertebra in this figure is the:
a. superior vertebral notch.
b. inferior vertebral notch.
c. superior articular process.
d. inferior articular process.
a. superior vertebral notch.
- The zygapophyseal joints of the lumbar spine form an angle of how many degrees from the posterior midsagittal plane?
a. 40 to 60
b. 15 to 20
c. 30 to 50
d. 70 to 75
c. 30 to 50
- The intervertebral foramina of the superior four lumbar vertebrae are situated how many
degrees from the midsagittal plane?
a. 90
b. 15 to 20
c. 30 to 50
d. 70 to 75
a. 90
- The condition of the lumbar spine in which there is anterior displacement of one vertebra over
another is termed:
a. scoliosis.
b. spondylolysis.
c. spondylolisthesis.
d. scoliokyphosis.
c. spondylolisthesis.
- On each side of the sacral base is a large winglike mass called the:
a. ala.
b. base.
c. promontory.
d. superior articular process.
a. ala.
- The angle of the articulation between the sacrum and the ilia (the sacroiliac joints) is _____
degrees.
a. 10 to 15
b. 15 to 20
c. 25 to 30
d. 45 to 50
c. 25 to 30
- The x-ray projection demonstrated in this figure is the:
a. AP cervical spine.
b. AP axial cervical spine.
c. AP, open mouth, atlas and axis.
d. AP, Fuchs method, atlas and axis.
c. AP, open mouth, atlas and axis.
- Where should the center of the IR be positioned for the “open mouth” AP projection of the
atlas and axis?
a. To the “Adam’s apple”
b. First cervical vertebra
c. Second cervical vertebra
d. Fourth cervical vertebra
c. Second cervical vertebra
- Which of the following lines must be perpendicular to the IR for the AP “open mouth” atlas
and axis?
a. Glabellomeatal line
b. Orbitomeatal line
c. Acanthiomeatal line
d. A line drawn from the lower edge of the upper incisors to the tip of the mastoid
process
d. A line drawn from the lower edge of the upper incisors to the tip of the mastoid
process
- For which projection is the patient instructed to softly phonate “ah” during the exposure?
a. Lateral cervical vertebrae
b. AP “open mouth” atlas and axis
c. AP dens, Fuchs method
d. AP axial cervical spine
b. AP “open mouth” atlas and axis
- Where is the central ray directed for an “open mouth” AP projection of the atlas and axis?
a. Perpendicular through the open mouth
b. Perpendicular to the acanthion
c. Parallel to the acanthiomeatal line
d. Parallel to the orbitomeatal line
a. Perpendicular through the open mouth
- The respiration phase for the “open mouth” AP projection of the atlas and axis is:
a. inspiration.
b. expiration.
c. suspended respiration.
d. softly phonate “ah” during the exposure.
d. softly phonate “ah” during the exposure.
- Which of the following methods is used to demonstrate the dens within the foramen magnum?
a. Grandy
b. Fuchs
c. Twining
d. Pawlow
b. Fuchs
- Which of the following describes the anatomy of interest for the Fuchs method?
a. AP, dens
b. AP, atlas and axis
c. AP, cervicothoracic region
d. Lateral, cervicothoracic region
a. AP, dens
- Where is the center of the IR positioned for the AP projection of the dens, Fuchs method?
a. Acanthion
b. Mental point
c. External acoustic meatus
d. Tip of the mastoid process
d. Tip of the mastoid process
- What is the central-ray angulation for the AP projection of the dens, Fuchs method?
a. 0 degrees
b. 5 degrees caudad
c. 15 degrees cephalad
d. 20 degrees cephalad
a. 0 degrees
- Which of the following is placed perpendicular to the tabletop for the AP axial cervical vertebrae?
a. Glabellomeatal line
b. Orbitomeatal line
c. Acanthiomeatal line
d. The occlusal plane
d. The occlusal plane
- Where is the IR centered for an AP axial cervical spine?
a. Second cervical vertebra
b. Third cervical vertebra
c. Fourth cervical vertebra
d. Seventh cervical vertebra
c. Fourth cervical vertebra
- The central-ray angle for an AP axial of cervical vertebrae is:
a. 10 to 15 degrees cephalad.
b. 5 to 10 degrees cephalad.
c. 15 to 20 degrees cephalad.
d. variable, depending on the body habitus.
c. 15 to 20 degrees cephalad.
- Where is the IR centered for a lateral cervical spine (Grandy method)?
a. Second cervical vertebra
b. Third cervical vertebra
c. Fourth cervical vertebra
d. Seventh cervical vertebra
c. Fourth cervical vertebra
- Where is the central ray directed for a lateral cervical spine?
a. Third cervical vertebra
b. Fourth cervical vertebra
c. Fifth cervical vertebra
d. Seventh cervical vertebra
b. Fourth cervical vertebra
- What is the recommended SID for the lateral cervical spine (Grandy method)?
a. 40 inches
b. 48 inches
c. 40 to 55 inches
d. 60 to 72 inches
d. 60 to 72 inches
- The respiration phase for a lateral cervical spine is:
a. full expiration.
b. full inspiration.
c. suspended respiration.
d. softly phonate “ah” during the exposure.
a. full expiration.
- The Grandy method is a(n):
a. lateral projection of the cervical vertebrae.
b. lateral projection of the cervicothoracic region.
c. AP/PA thoracolumbar spine.
d. lateral thoracolumbar spine.
a. lateral projection of the cervical vertebrae.
- Where is the central ray centered for a hyperflexion or hyperextension lateral cervical spine?
a. Second cervical vertebra
b. Third cervical vertebra
c. Fourth cervical vertebra
d. Seventh cervical vertebra
c. Fourth cervical vertebra
- The phase of respiration for a hyperflexion or hyperextension lateral cervical spine is:
a. shallow breathing.
b. suspended respiration.
c. full expiration.
d. full inspiration.
b. suspended respiration.
- Which projections of the cervical spine will demonstrate the lower five zygapophyseal joints
of the cervical spine? - Lateral
- Lateral in hyperflexion
- Lateral in hyperextension
a. 1 and 2
b. 1 and 3
c. 2 and 3
d. 1, 2, and 3
d. 1, 2, and 3
- Where is the IR centered for a hyperflexion or hyperextension lateral projection of the cervical
spine?
a. Second cervical vertebra
b. Third cervical vertebra
c. Fourth cervical vertebra
d. Seventh cervical vertebra
c. Fourth cervical vertebra
- How much is the body rotated for an AP axial oblique projection of the cervical intervertebral
foramina?
a. 45 degrees
b. 60 degrees
c. 70 degrees
d. 40 to 60 degrees
a. 45 degrees
- What is the central-ray angle for the AP axial oblique projection of the cervical intervertebral
foramina?
a. 15 degrees cephalad
b. 15 to 20 degrees cephalad
c. 15 to 20 degrees caudad
d. Perpendicular
b. 15 to 20 degrees cephalad
- Which intervertebral foramina are demonstrated on an AP axial oblique projection of the
cervical spine?
a. Those farthest from the IR
b. Those closest to the IR
c. Both sides equally demonstrated
d. The inferior six closest to the IR
a. Those farthest from the IR
- Where is the central ray directed for the AP axial oblique projection of the cervical intervertebral foramina?
a. Second cervical vertebra
b. Third cervical vertebra
c. Fourth cervical vertebra
d. Seventh cervical vertebra
c. Fourth cervical vertebra
- What is the recommended SID for the AP axial oblique projection of the cervical spine?
a. 40 to 48 inches
b. 48 to 60 inches
c. 54 to 62 inches
d. 60 to 72 inches
d. 60 to 72 inches
- Where is the central ray directed for a PA axial oblique projection of the cervical
intervertebral foramina?
a. Second cervical vertebra
b. Third cervical vertebra
c. Fourth cervical vertebra
d. Seventh cervical vertebra
c. Fourth cervical vertebra
- What is the central-ray angle for the PA axial oblique projection of the cervical intervertebral
foramina?
a. 45 degrees cephalad
b. 45 degrees caudad
c. 15 to 20 degrees cephalad
d. 15 to 20 degrees caudad
d. 15 to 20 degrees caudad
- Which intervertebral foramina are demonstrated on the PA axial oblique projection of the
cervical spine?
a. Those closest to the IR
b. Those farthest from the IR
c. Both sides are equally demonstrated
d. The inferior side farthest from the IR
a. Those closest to the IR
- The respiration phase for an AP or PA axial oblique projection of the cervical spine is:
a. shallow breathing.
b. suspended respiration.
c. full inspiration.
d. full expiration.
b. suspended respiration.
- Which of the following methods uses a chewing motion of the mandible to demonstrate the
cervical spine in an AP projection?
a. Ottonello
b. Grandy
c. Twining
d. Fuchs
a. Ottonello
- Which projection is recommended to demonstrate the cervical vertebral arches or pillars when the patient cannot hyperextend the neck?
a. AP axial
b. PA axial
c. AP axial oblique with right and left head rotation
d. Lateral projection, dorsal decubitus position
c. AP axial oblique with right and left head rotation
- How is the neck positioned for the AP axial projection of the vertebral arch (pillars)?
a. With the occlusal plane perpendicular to the image receptor
b. With the occlusal plane parallel to the image receptor
c. In hyperextension
d. In hyperflexion
c. In hyperextension
- What is the central-ray angulation for an AP axial oblique projection of the cervical spine on a
trauma patient?
a. 15 to 20 degrees caudad
b. 15 to 20 degrees cephalad
c. 30 to 40 degrees caudad
d. 30 to 40 degrees cephalad
c. 30 to 40 degrees caudad
- Where does the central ray exit for the AP axial oblique projection to demonstrate the cervical
spine pillars and laminae?
a. C4
b. C5
c. C7
d. T2
c. C7
- Which of the following will demonstrate the cervicothoracic region in the lateral projection?
a. Ottonello method
b. Swimmer’s technique
c. Ferguson method
d. Fuchs method
b. Swimmer’s technique