Anatomy of the Spine Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of a 'neutral spine'?

A position that maximizes the flexibility of the back for twisting and bending.

A position where the spine is completely straight, eliminating all natural curves.

A position where the spinal curves of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions are neither excessively curved nor straightened. (correct)

A position where only the lumbar region maintains its natural lordotic curve.

How many vertebrae are located in the thoracic region of the spine?

5 (fused)

12 (correct)

What is the primary function of the vertebral foramen?

To allow passage of the spinal cord. (correct)

To provide a site within the vertebrae for muscular attachments.

To allow nerves to exit the spinal cord.

To protect the facet joints and ensure smooth movement.

Which of the following best describes a lordotic curve?

An excessive forward curve of the spine, often found in the lumbar region. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the facet joints in the spine?

To facilitate flexibility and movement, enabling bending and twisting. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What causes the cracking or popping sound that sometimes occurs in the back?

The release of gas bubbles within the facet joints. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Besides the spinal cord's protection, what is another major function of the vertebrae?

To provide attachment sites for muscles. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of joint are the facet joints within the spine classified as?

Synovial joints (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by damage to the developing brain, often occurring before birth, impacting movement and posture?

Cerebral palsy (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of muscular dystrophy?

Abnormal genes interfering with protein production (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key feature of spina bifida?

Exposure of spinal cord and nerves (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying cause of the paralytic effects of polio?

Viral infection of the spinal cord (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is typically NOT a part of the initial treatment for a herniated disc?

Physical Therapy (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common initial assessment for scoliosis?

Assessing shoulder height (B) Signup and view all the answers

What physical feature is typically observed on the back when a person with scoliosis bends forward ?

A noticeable ‘rib hump’ (B) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage (%) of people with a herniated disc can be treated without surgery?

90 to 95% (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically a recommendation for surgery regarding a herniated disc?

Occasional neurological symptoms (B) Signup and view all the answers

What materials are typically used in scoliosis surgery to straighten and stabilize the spine?

Titanium rods and screws (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using bone grafts in scoliosis surgery?

To promote bone fusion around the implanted hardware (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a discectomy?

To remove the herniated disc fragment (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle primarily functions to flex the trunk or spine?

Rectus abdominis (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes spinal fusion surgery?

Removing the disc and permanently joining the vertebrae above and below the disc space (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of an artificial disc replacement over spinal fusion?

It allows for greater overall spinal flexibility and stability (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle supports the abdominal wall and assists with breathing?

Transverse abdominis (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of the oblique muscles in the abdominal region?

Trunk or spine rotation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What age range is most susceptible to herniated disks due to age-related degeneration?

35-45 years (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following muscles is primarily responsible for lateral flexion and rotation of the neck?

Sternocleidomastoid (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical cause of scoliosis?

Obesity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mechanism for a ligament sprain in the spine?

Trunk flexion with some rotation (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is characteristic of a muscle or tendon strain in the spine?

Pain lateral to the spine (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a neurological symptom?

Muscle spasm (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common name for an injury to the intervertebral disc?

Slipped disc (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the intervertebral discs?

To serve as shock absorbers, separate vertebrae, and provide space for nerves. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the annulus fibrosus?

The tough, dense outer layer of the disc. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of the spinal discs?

They have a limited blood supply, leading to poor healing capabilities. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is responsible for shoulder elevation?

Upper Trapezius (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which movement does the middle trapezius primarily facilitate?

Horizontal abduction (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of the lower trapezius muscle?

Depressing, rotating, and retracting the scapula. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is responsible for shoulder adduction, extension, and medial rotation?

Latissimus Dorsi (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the serratus anterior?

Scapular protraction. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is spondylosis primarily caused by?

Normal wear and tear on the spine (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with spondylolysis?

Loss of bowel control (D) Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines spondylolisthesis?

A vertebra slipping forward on another (B) Signup and view all the answers

In athletes, why is postural assessment considered important?

It correlates with injury risk (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of spondylolisthesis?

Pain that radiates to the feet (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment method for mild cases of spondylolysis?

Physical therapy (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes symptoms of spondylosis?

Pain and stiffness in the neck or lower back (C) Signup and view all the answers

Spondylolysis typically occurs in which group of individuals?

Young athletes (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Back and Spinal Injuries - Unit 8

Back and spinal injuries cover various anatomical segments and conditions.
The bones of the spine are called vertebrae.
The four segments of the spine are cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral.
The cervical spine has 7 vertebrae.
The thoracic spine has 12 vertebrae.
The lumbar spine has 5 vertebrae.
The sacral spine is comprised of 5 fused vertebrae.
The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum to the ilium.
A neutral spine has natural spinal curves that are neither exaggerated nor flattened.
This position is the strongest structurally.
Maintaining a neutral spine aligns the spine's natural curves for optimal strength and support.
Normal anatomical alignment combined with balanced muscle strength keeps the spine aligned.
The spinal curves include cervical lordosis (anterior curve), thoracic kyphosis (posterior curve), lumbar lordosis (anterior curve), and sacral kyphosis (posterior curve).
Excessive posterior/backward curvature is called kyphosis, typically seen in the thoracic and sacral curves.
Excessive forward curvature is called lordosis, seen commonly in the lumbar or cervical spine.
Vertebrae have a body, transverse processes, spinous processes, vertebral foramen/canal, and facets.
Vertebral functions include protecting the spinal cord, supporting upright posture for walking, and serving as an attachment site for muscles.
Facet joints are synovial joints in the spine, allowing for flexibility and movement.
Healthy facet joints have cartilage, allowing smooth movement without grinding.
Each facet joint has a capsule containing synovial fluid for nourishment and lubrication.
Back cracking occurs due to gas bubble release (cavitation) in the joints.
Common causes include tight muscles, joint misalignment, and worn cartilage.
Intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers, keeping vertebrae separated to increase flexibility, and providing space for nerve exit.
Discs have two parts: the annulus fibrosus (tough outer layer) and the nucleus pulposus (flexible inner layer).
Shortcomings (or problems) of the discs include a poor blood supply, resulting in poor healing ability.
The discs compress over time, contributing to our shrinking as we age.
Major back muscles include the trapezius (upper, middle, and lower portions), latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, rhomboids (major and minor).
The trapezius helps to elevate the shoulders and rotates, extends, and laterally flexes the neck.
The latissimus dorsi adducts, extends, and medially rotates the shoulder.
The erector spinae extends and laterally flexes the trunk.
The rhomboids retract and stabilize the scapula.
The scalenes assist with cervical flexion and breathing.
The sternocleidomastoid laterally flexes and rotates the neck.
The levator scapulae elevates the scapula.
Muscles of the abdomen - including rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and obliques - help support trunk movement.
Acute spinal injuries can include ligament sprains, muscle strains, and intervertebral disc injuries.
Ligament sprains often result from trunk flexion with rotation.
Muscle strains, a common injury type, often cause pain lateral to the spine.
Spinal injuries' mechanisms include extension under stress, sudden twisting, and poor posture/biomechanics.
Symptoms of acute back/spine injuries tend include pain localized to the spine, limited movement due to muscle spasm, and pain during rotation.
Signs of intervertebral disc injury include burning pain, numbness/tingling, lower extremity weakness, and symptoms exacerbated by sitting.
Disc injuries are diagnosed using X-rays, MRI, EMG, and functional tests.
Treatment options for disc injury can involve ice, rest, NSAIDs, and/or corticosteroids.
Long-term treatment may incorporate physical therapy to alleviate symptoms, and addressing posture/obesity can be critical.
Surgical intervention for persistent symptoms might involve discectomy, spinal fusion, or artificial disc replacement.
Factors increasing disk injuries include age, obesity, and certain occupations with repetitive movements and heavy lifting.
A high percentage of intervertebral disc injuries recover without surgery.
Chronic back/spine conditions can include scoliosis, chronic back pain, spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis, piriformis syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, and degenerative disc disease.
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine.
Possible causes of scoliosis include malformed vertebrae, unequal leg lengths, fused ribs, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and polio.
Untreated scoliosis can cause posture or spinal problems.
Scoliosis diagnosis frequently involves physical assessment, including measurement of shoulder height and hip height.
Scoliosis treatment approaches often involve bracing, physical therapy, and/or surgery.
Severe scoliosis may require surgical intervention to straighten the spine via metal rods or other implants.
A scoliometer or related apps can be useful to measure this condition.
Spondylolisthesis encompasses various types, including degenerative and isthmic.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the human spine including its structure, common conditions, and anatomical terms. This quiz covers topics such as spinal curves, vertebrae functions, and disorders affecting movement. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand spine anatomy and associated pathologies.