arthrology of the vertebral column

Question 1

what is the maximum number of common ligaments identified with a vertebral column?

Answer 1

eight

Question 2

what is the reason that nine common ligaments are identified but only eight will be attached at any specific vertebral couple?

Answer 2

the ligamentum nuchae and supraspinous ligaments attach to the spinous tubercles, but only one of these will be identified at a single vertebral couple

Question 3

what is the number of true intervertebral discs identified in the adult?

Answer 3

23

Question 4

in the adult, which vertebral levels will demonstrate a true intervertebral disc?

Answer 4

those between C2 and S1 inclusive

Question 5

what is the percent of intervertebral disc height contribution to the length of each region of the vertebral column?

Answer 5

cervical– 22-25%
thoracic– 20%
lumbar– 33%

Question 6

what are the names of the central, peripheral, and horizontal zones of the intervertebral disc?

Answer 6

nucleus pulposus– central zone
annulus fibrosus– peripheral zone
cartilaginous end plate– horizontal zone

Question 7

what is the water concentration in the lumbar nucleus pulposus at birth and after thirty?

Answer 7

birth– 88%

thirty– 70%

Question 8

what is the consequence of non-aggregated glycosaminoglycans in the lumbar nucleus pulposus?

Answer 8

the nucleus pulposus will loose water under deformation conditions

Question 9

what cell is associated with the nucleus pulposus until about age eleven?

Answer 9

notochord cells

Question 10

which type of collagen is cominant in the nucleus pulposus?

Answer 10

collagen type II

Question 11

what is the organizational pattern for collagen fibers in the nucleus pulposus?

Answer 11

they are irregularly oriented and randomly scattered