Anatomy of Vertebral Column

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What type of joint is the atlanto-axial joint between the dens of axis and the anterior arch of atlas?

Condylar synovial joint

Synovial hinge joint

Plane synovial joint

Pivot synovial joint (correct)

What ligament holds the dens of C2 in the socket formed by the transverse ligament?

Alar ligament

Tectorial membrane

Transverse ligament (correct)

Apical ligament

What type of joint is the joint between the uncinate processes of the cervical vertebrae and the inferolateral surface of the upper vertebra?

Zygappophyseal joint

Uncovertebral joint (correct)

Atlanto-occipital joint

Atlanto-axial joint

What ligament extends the entire length from the occipital bone of the skull to the sacrum?

Anterior longitudinal ligament Signup and view all the answers

What type of joint is the atlanto-axial joint between the lateral mass of atlas and the superior facet of axis?

Plane synovial joint Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament extends from the side of the transverse ligament to the lateral margin of the foramen magnum?

Alar ligament Signup and view all the answers

What do the intervertebral veins receive from the spinal cord and vertebral venous plexuses?

Veins from the spinal cord and vertebral venous plexuses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is NOT supplied by the recurrent meningeal branches of the spinal nerves?

Transverse process Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of the meningeal branches of the spinal nerves as they exit the intervertebral foramina?

They run backward through the foramina into the vertebral canal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the curvature of the vertebral column at birth?

It is arched Signup and view all the answers

What do the anterior and posterior longitudinal sinuses form?

Large longitudinal sinuses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is innervated by the articular branches of the medial branch of the posterior rami or spinal nerve?

Zygapophyseal joints Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the vertebral foramen?

To protect the spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a typical vertebra is situated on the lateral and posterior aspects of the vertebral foramen?

Vertebral arch Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of cervical vertebrae?

They have a smaller body and a larger vertebral foramen Signup and view all the answers

Which cervical vertebra has a dens (odontoid process) that projects upwards from the body?

Axis (2nd cervical vertebra) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the atlas (1st cervical vertebra)?

It is a ring-shaped vertebra with no body and no spine Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the transverse process of a typical vertebra?

To form a point of attachment for muscles and ligaments Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of thoracic vertebrae?

They have heart-shaped bodies and costal facets on the sides of the bodies Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the costal facets of thoracic vertebrae?

To articulate with the heads of ribs Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the 7th cervical vertebra (vertebra prominens)?

It has a long, thick, and horizontal spine Signup and view all the answers

What type of joints connect the bodies of adjacent cervical vertebrae?

Intervertebral joints Signup and view all the answers