spinal anatomy

Question 1

4 major funtions of bony vertebral column?

Answer 1

• support weight of body above pevlic girdle
• protection for the spinal cord and individual spinal nerves
• providing a partly rigid yet flexible axis for the body and an extended base on which the head is placed and rotates
• vital role player in posture and locomotion

Question 2

what function do the zygapophyseal joints provide?

Answer 2

-add to vertebral columns flexibility

Question 3

what is the purpose of the gradual increases in vertebral size as spinal column descends?

Answer 3

increased weight bearing needs

Question 4

what is a typical vertebrae comprised of?

Answer 4

• vertebral body
• vertebral arch
• seven processes

Question 5

function of vertebral body?

Answer 5

give the strength of vertebral column and support body weight

Question 6

what is the inner most part of vertebral body known as?

Answer 6

centrum

Question 7

where is vertebral arch located and what does to consist of?

Answer 7

• posterior to vertebral body

- two Rt and Lt pedicles and laminae

Question 8

what are vertebral notches?

Answer 8

indentations seen on lateral view of vertebrae superior and inferior to each pedicle

Question 9

what are intervertebral foramina?

Answer 9

Foramen/holes where the spinal nerves emerge from vertebral column

Question 10

how many processes typically make up the vertebral arch on a typical spinal vertebrae?

Answer 10

7

• 1 spinous process
• 2 transverse processes
• 4 articular processs

Question 11

which processes on a typical spinal vertebrae give connection for the deep back muscles as well as serve as controls for enabling the muscles that fix or change position of vertebrae?

Answer 11

• spinous process

- transverse process

Question 12

what is the function of facet/zygapophyseal joints?

Answer 12

• determine types of movement permitted and restricted between adjacent vertebrae of each region
• maintaining alighnement of vertebral column

Question 13

what is another name for C1?

Answer 13

atlas

Question 14

what is another name for C2?

Answer 14

axis

Question 15

what unique feature is a part of C2?

Answer 15

dens or odontoid process

Question 16

what unique feature of the cervical vertebrae allows for the vertebral arteries and their veins to pass through?

Answer 16

• transverse foramina

- or foramen transversarium

Question 17

Which cervical segment only allows for the passage of small accessory veins?

Answer 17

C7

Question 18

what does the transverse process of cervical vertebrae end with laterally?

Answer 18

anterior and posterior tubercle

Question 19

what do the anterior and posterior tubercles provide attachments for?

Answer 19

lateral cervical muscles

Question 20

what lateral muscles attach to the anterior and posterior tubercles of the cervical spine?

Answer 20

• levator scapulae

- scalenes muscles

Question 21

what is the longer spinous process of C7 titled?

Answer 21

vertebra prominens

Question 22

what is the most commonly fractured vertebra?

Answer 22

T12

Question 23

what is the largest of all the movable verebrae?

Answer 23

L5

Question 24

There is not an intervertebral disc located between C1 and C2.
T or F

Answer 24

True

Question 25

which aspect of the inter-vertebral disc's anulus fibrosis is thinner and allows for the nucleus pulposes to slip into the spinal cord?

Answer 25

posterior

Question 26

in the spine, which ligament is the only ligament that restricts extension?

Answer 26

anterior longitudinal ligament

Question 27

what is the location and function of the interspinous ligament?

Answer 27

- more anteriorly situated | - connects the length of the spinous processes Superiorly and inferiorly to the ligament

Question 28

What is the supraspinous ligament and where is it located?

Answer 28

-vertical band that connects the dorsal tips of teh spinous processes from C7 to Sacrum

Question 29

what is the nuchal ligament?

Answer 29

a broad band of tissue extending posteriorly from the foramen magnum through the spinous processes of cervical vertebrae

Question 30

where are the intertransverse ligaments located?

Answer 30

- in the cervical and thoracic region | - connect adjacent transverse processes

Question 31

what are the major ligaments of the spine?

Answer 31

- ALL - PLL - ligamentum flavum