The Back

Question 1

How many bones are in the vertebral column?

Answer 1

33 individual bones plus intervertebral disks

Question 2

What are the functions of the vertebral column?

Answer 2

Weight bearing

Protection (spinal cord)

Movement

Site of muscle attachments

Question 3

Where does the vertebral column transfer the weight to?

Answer 3

From the upper body to the lower limbs

Question 4

What provides shock absorption on the vertebral column?

Answer 4

Curvature and the intervertebral disks

Question 5

What is the name given to the protruding parts of the curvature of the spine (labelled B)?

Answer 5

Thoracic and sacral kyphoses (already present in the fetus)

Question 6

What is the name given to the indented parts of the curvature of the spine labelled A ?

Answer 6

Cervical and lumbar lordoses (develop during infancy)

Question 7

What is the term given to the abnormal curvatures of the spine?

Answer 7

Excessive thoracic kyphosis Excessive lumbar lordosis Scoliosis (abnormal shape looking from posterior side of the body - results from imbalance in muscle, differences in bone development)

Question 8

Are the sacral vertebrae fused?

Answer 8

Yes

Question 9

What is the function of intervertebral disks?

Answer 9

Shock absorption

Question 10

What are the two components of intervertebral disks?

Answer 10

Central core with high water content surrounded by layers of fibrocartilage Nucleus pulposus Annulus fibrosus

Question 11

What is meant by a slipped disk?

Answer 11

Nucleus pulposus leaks out the disk and compresses nerve root

Question 12

What is protected by the vertebrae?

Answer 12

Spinal cord

Spinal nerves

Arteries and Veins

Question 13

What is the outer thicker layer of the meninges?

Answer 13

Dura matter

Question 14

What are the thinner inner layers of the meninges?

Answer 14

Arachnoid matter

Pia matter (most inner layer)

Question 15

What are the movements of the vertebral column?

Answer 15

Extension Lateral extension Rotation (head and neck and upper trunk)

Question 16

What are the joints of the vertebral joints?

Answer 16

Intervertebral disks (Secondary cartilaginous)

Facet joints (synovial plane)

Joints with ribs (synovial plane)

Skull and atlas (synovial ellipsoid condyloid)

Atlas and axis (synovial pivot)

Question 17

What are the types of ligaments of the vertebral column labelled

Answer 17

Posterior longitudinal (prevents over flexion) Anterior longitudinal (prevents over extension) Ligamentum flavum Interspinous Suprasinous

Question 18

What are intrinsic spinal muscles?

Answer 18

Responsible for controlling posture and movement of the spine and head. Erector spinae (act only on the back, not e.g. the limbs)

Question 19

What are the effects of ageing on the intervertebral disks?

Answer 19

Water content of the central core of the disks is reduced - less shock absorption

Question 20

What is the effect of ageing on the vertebral column in terms of joints?

Answer 20

Osteoarthritis → pain & stiffness of joints

Question 21

What is the effect of ageing on the vertebral column in terms of structure of the vertebrae?

Answer 21

Osteoporosis → compression fractures altering the curvature of the spine

Question 22

Why might back pain result because of old age?

Answer 22

Weakness of back muscles → imbalanced loading of the spine resulting in back pain

Question 23

List the structures labelled A to G

Answer 23