Back and Vertebral Column

Question 1

Functions of vertebral column

Answer 1

maintain stability, provide erect posture, site of muscle attachment, protect the spinal cord

Question 2

Curvatures of the vertebral column

Answer 2

Primary curvatures are ‘kyphotic’
Secondary curvatures are ‘lordotic’ (lumbar spine)

Question 3

major anatomical landmarks of vertebra

Answer 3

vertebral body, vertebral arch, spinous and transverse processes, articular processes

Question 4

intervertebral foramen contents

Answer 4

spinal nerve roots, dorsal root ganglia, vessels

Question 5

Annulus fibrosus

Answer 5

attaches to epiphyseal ring, keeps vertebra together, concentric lamellae of collagen

Question 6

Nucleus pulposus

Answer 6

surrounded by annulus fibrosus/ keeps vertebra apart
shock absorber

Question 7

Extrinsic back muscles

Answer 7

attach to and act on the upper limb e.g- trapezius, latissimus dorsi, rhomboid major and minor

Question 8

Intrinsic back muscles

Answer 8

attach to and act on the back
erector spinae (concentrically extend the trunk + eccentrically control trunk flexion)