Vertebral Column

Question 1

Which two vertebral curvatures are anteriorly concave?

Answer 1

Thoracic and pelvic

Question 2

What is the name of the short, thick bony processes that project posteriorly from the lateral and superior aspects of vertebral bodies of typical vertebrae?

Answer 2

Pedicles

Question 3

From the junction of which two vertebral structures do transverse processes originate in typical vertebrae?

Answer 3

Pedicle and lamina

Question 4

Which structure of a typical vetrebra are the zygapophyses?

Answer 4

Articular processes

Question 5

On which structure is the dens located

Answer 5

C2

Question 6

which structure is known as the “atlas”?

Answer 6

C1

Question 7

Which structure is known as the “axis”?

Answer 7

C2

Question 8

Which vertebral structures have bifid tips?

Answer 8

Spinous processes of cervical vertebrae

Question 9

How do zygapophyseal joints open in cervical vertebrae?

Answer 9

90 degrees laterally

Question 10

How do zygapophyseal joints open in thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 10

70 to 75 degrees anteriorly

Question 11

Which structure articulate with vertebral demifacets?

Answer 11

heads of ribs

Question 12

How do zygapophyseal joints open in lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 12

30 to 60 degrees posteriorly

Question 13

Which parts of the sacrum form the joints with the ilia of the pelvis?

Answer 13

Auricular surfaces

Question 14

How should the IR be positioned for the AP axial projection of the cervical vertebral column?

Answer 14

Centered at C4

Question 15

What should be done so that the magnified shoulder farthest from the IR is projected below the lower cervical vertebrae for the lateral projection of the cervical vertebrae?

Answer 15

Direct a horizontal central ray to C4

Question 16

What should be done to prevent mandibular rami from superimposing cervical vertebrae in the lateral projection of the cervical vertebral column?

Answer 16

Elevate the chin

Question 17

Which position of the cervical vertebral column best demonstrates the left intervertebral foramina when the central ray is angled 15 to 20 degrees cephalad?

Answer 17

RPO

Question 18

Which position of the cervical vertebral column best demonstrates the right intervertebral foramina when the central ray is angled 15 to 20 degrees caudad?

Answer 18

RAO

Question 19

What is the proper amount of head and body rotation for the PA axial oblique projection of the cervical vertebrae?

Answer 19

45 degree

Question 20

For the AP projection of the thoracic vertebral column with the patient in the supine position, why should the patient’s hips and knees be flexed?

Answer 20

To reduce kyphosis

Question 21

Which projection of the vertebral column best demonstrates scoliosis?

Answer 21

PA projection of the thoracolumbar vertebral column

Question 22

Why should the patient flex the hips and knees for the AP projection of the lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 22

To reduce lumbar lordosis

Question 23

Where should the central ray be directed for the AP projection of only the lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 23

L4

Question 24

Which vertebral structure are best demonstrated with the AP oblique projection of the lumbar vertebral column with the patient positioned in a 45 degree RPO?

Answer 24

Zygapophyseal joints of the right side

Question 25

Which vertebral structure are best demonstrated with the AP oblique projection of the lumbar vertebral column with the patient positioned in a 45 degree LPO?

Answer 25

Zygapophyseal joints of the right side

Question 26

Which positioning error most likely occurred if the zygapophyseal joints were not well demonstrated and the pedicle was quite anterior on the vertebral body in a image of an AP oblique projection of teh lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 26

The patient was not rotated enough.

Question 27

How many degrees of body rotation are necessary for the AP oblique projection of the lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 27

45 degrees

Question 28

How many degrees and in which direction should the central ray be directed for an AP axial projection of the lumboscaral junction and SI joints?

Answer 28

30 to 35 degrees cephalad

Question 29

Which projection best demonstrates the right SI joint?

Answer 29

AP oblique with patient in the LPO position

Question 30

Which projection best demonstrates the right SI joint?

Answer 30

AP oblique with patient in the RPO position

Question 31

How many degrees of body rotation from the supine position are required for an AP oblique projection of the SI joints?

Answer 31

25 to 30 degrees

Question 32

How many degrees and in which direction should the central ray be directed for AP axial projections of the sacrum?

Answer 32

15 degrees cephalad

Question 33

How many degrees and in which direction should the central ray be directed for AP axial projections of the coccyx?

Answer 33

10 degrees caudad

Question 34

Which projection of the Ferguson method should be performed to best evaluate scoliosis?

Answer 34

Upright PA