The Vertebral Column

Question 1

How many vertebrae are found in the cervical spine?

Answer 1

7

Question 2

How many vertebrae are found in the thoracic spine?

Answer 2

12

Question 3

How many vertebrae are found in the thoracic spine?

Answer 3

12

Question 4

How many vertebrae are found in the lumbar spine?

Answer 4

5

Question 5

How many vertebrae does a typical adult have?

Answer 5

33

Question 6

At what vertebral point does the spinal cord end in adults?

Answer 6

L1-L2

Question 7

What is another term for facet joints?

Answer 7

zygapophyseal joints

Question 8

What is the purpose of facet joints?

Answer 8

they connect the superior and inferior articular processes of adjacent vertebrae, helping stack and interlock vertebrae

Question 9

What is the purpose of intervertebral foramen?

Answer 9

they provide space for spinal nerves to pass through

Question 10

What structures pass through intervertebral foramen?

Answer 10

spinal nerves

Question 11

What is the purpose of intervertebral discs?

Answer 11

to provide flexibility and act as shock absorbers

Question 12

Where are intervertebral discs found?

Answer 12

between all non-fused vertebrae

Question 13

Give four functions of vertebrae:

Answer 13

1) protects the spinal cord
2) supports body weight
3) acts as a semi-rigid axis for the body for bending and flexing
4) attachment for ligaments and muscles

Question 14

What other bones do thoracic vertebrae articulate with?

Answer 14

ribs

Question 15

What is the name of the fifth region of the vertebral column?

Answer 15

coccyx

Question 16

Give the five regions of the vertebral column:

Answer 16

1) cervical
2) thoracic
3) lumbar
4) sacral
5) coccygeal

Question 17

What two regions of the vertebral column are kyphoses?

Answer 17

What two regions of the vertebral column are kyphoses?
1) thoracic
2) sacral

Question 18

What two regions of the vertebral column are lordoses?

Answer 18

1) cervical
2) lumbar

Question 19

What term is used to describe vertebral regions that flex forward?

Answer 19

kyphoses

Question 20

What term is used to describe vertebral regions that curve anteriorly?

Answer 20

lordoes

Question 21

Are kyphoses primary or secondary curvatures?

Answer 21

primary (meaning they are seen in the foetus)

Question 22

Are lordoses primary or secondary curvatures?

Answer 22

secondary (meaning they are not seen in the foetus)

Question 23

What is the purpose of having curvature in the vertebral column? (2)

Answer 23

1) to provide flexibility
2) to provide shock absorption

Question 24

What is the name of the part of vertebrae that provides muscle and ligament attachment and is found on the sides?

Answer 24

transverse processes

Question 25

What is the name of the part of vertebrae that provides muscle and ligament attachment, can be palpated and is found on the posterior surface?

Answer 25

spinous process

Question 26

What is the name of the large, weight bearing portion of vertebrae that is connected to intervertebral discs?

Answer 26

body

Question 27

What is the name of the structure that connects the transverse processes to the body of the vertebrae?

Answer 27

pedicles

Question 28

What is the name of the structure that attaches the transverse process to the spinous process?

Answer 28

laminae