Regional Variation in Vertebral Column

Question 1

transverse process cervical variations

Answer 1

short, has a hole (transverse foramen) for passage of vertebral artery

Question 2

transverse process thoracic variations

Answer 2

transverse processes are projected posteriorly and have articular surfaces for ribs

Question 3

transverse process lumbar variations

Answer 3

long and skinny to provide attachments for large muscles

Question 4

transverse process sacral variations

Answer 4

fusion - creates articular surface

Question 5

articular surfaces sacral variations

Answer 5

fusion of bones means no articular surfaces between bones

Question 6

articular surfaces lumbar variations

Answer 6

inferior facets articulating with superior facets between vertebrae in sagittal plane

Question 7

articular surfaces thoracic variations

Answer 7

inferior facets articulating with superior facets between vertebrae in coronal plane

Question 8

articular surfaces cervical variations

Answer 8

inferior facets articulating with superior facets between vertebrae in oblique plane

Question 9

C1 (atlas) characteristics

Answer 9

no body, large superior articular facets, no spinous process, elongated transverse process

Question 10

C2 (axis) characteristics

Answer 10

large superior articular facets, odontoid process (dens)