Anatomy of Vertebrae Quiz

Study Notes

Typical Vertebral Features

Superior View: Includes body, pedicle, lamina, transverse processes, and spinous process.
Lateral View: Adds superior articulating process, superior articulating facet, inferior articulating process, and inferior articulating facet.

Key Structure Highlights

Vertebral Body: Central part of the vertebra, supporting weight.
Intervertebral Foramen: Opening for the exit of spinal nerves.
Intervertebral Disc: Absorbs shock and provides cushioning between vertebrae.

Intervertebral Disc Components

Annulus Fibrosus: Outer fibrous ring providing strength to the disc.
Nucleus Pulposus: Gel-like core that enables shock absorption and flexibility.

Nucleus Pulposus Functionality

Functions as a shock absorber during spinal movements, allowing flexibility and resisting compressive forces.

Cervical Spine Features

Foramen Transversarium: Unique openings in cervical vertebrae for vertebral arteries.
Small Vertebral Body: Accommodates mobility of the cervical region.
Bifid Spinous Process: Split spinous processes for muscle attachment.
Articular Facets Orientation: Allow for rotation and flexibility.

C1 (Atlas) Features

Anterior and Posterior Tubercle: Key landmarks for ligament attachment.
Large Superior Articular Facets: Articulate with the occipital bone.

C2 (Axis) Features

Bifid Spinous Process: Facilitates muscle attachment.
Odontoid Process (Dens): Fits into the atlas allowing head rotation.
Minimal Transverse Processes: Reduce obstruction of neck movement.

Atlanto-occipital and Atlanto-axial Joints

Atlanto-occipital Joint: Connects C1 (atlas) to the skull, allows nodding motion.
Atlanto-axial Joint: Connects C1 and C2 (axis), enables rotation of the head.

Thoracic Spine Features

Superior Demifacet: Articulates with the head of ribs.
Inferior Demifacet: Allows rib articulation.
Facet for Rib on Transverse Process: Completed rib articulation point.
Articular Facets Orientation: Allow for limited rotation while providing stability.

Lumbar Spine Features

Kidney-shaped Vertebral Body: Designed for load-bearing duties.
Articular Facets Orientation: Facilitates flexion and extension, limits rotation.

Sacrum and Coccyx

Base: Upper broad part connecting to L5.
Apex: Tapered lower end of the sacrum.
Anterior Sacral Foramen: Nerve passageways.
Auricular Surface: Articulates with ilium of pelvis.
Coccyx: Small tailbone supporting pelvic organs.

Spinal Ligaments

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament: Reinforces the front of the vertebral column.
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: Stabilizes the back of the vertebral bodies.
Ligamentum Flavum: Connects laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
Supraspinous Ligament: Runs along the tips of spinous processes.
Interspinous Ligament: Connects adjacent spinous processes for stability.

Erector Spinae Group

Comprises Spinalis (S), Longissimus (L), and Iliocostalis (I).
Origin: Spinous processes (S), transverse processes (L), iliac crest (I).
Action: Unilateral provides lateral flexion; bilateral extends the spine.
Innervation: Supplied by spinal nerves.

Transversospinalis Group

Deeper muscle layer consisting of Semispinalis (SS), Multifidus (M), and Rotatores (R).
Origin: From transverse processes across all segments.
Action: Unilateral contributes to rotation; bilateral extends the spine.
Innervation: Supplied by spinal nerves.

Muscle Layer Relationships

Cross-sectional views illustrate the positioning and interaction of back muscle layers, essential for spinal stability and movement.

Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomy of vertebrae with this quiz. Covering typical features from both superior and lateral views, including key structures such as the vertebral body and intervertebral foramen, this quiz will help reinforce your understanding of spinal anatomy.