Cervical Spine and Skull Osteology Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs?

  • To provide flexibility
  • To protect the spinal cord
  • To facilitate joint movement
  • To bear weight (correct)

Which structures make up the vertebral arch?

  • Pedicle and lamina (correct)
  • Spinous and articular processes
  • Transverse and spinous processes
  • Lamina and superior articular processes

What anatomical structures are contained within the vertebral canal?

  • Intervertebral discs and superior articular processes
  • Meningeal coverings and intervertebral discs
  • Spinal cord and blood vessels (correct)
  • Spinal nerves and pedicles

Which process of the vertebra is located posteriorly in the midline?

<p>Spinous process (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the superior and inferior articular processes do?

<p>Facilitate articulation with adjacent vertebrae (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the annulus fibrosus in intervertebral discs?

<p>To offer high tensile strength and connect adjacent epiphyses (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the intervertebral disc is primarily responsible for its resilience?

<p>Nucleus pulposus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of joints form between the articular processes of the vertebrae?

<p>Facet joints (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do ligaments play in the vertebral column?

<p>They connect vertebral components to adjacent vertebrae. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ligaments are primarily associated with the stability of the vertebral column?

<p>Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many cervical spinal nerves are present in the human body?

<p>8 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which thoracic spinal nerves correspond to lumbar segments L1 and L2?

<p>Thoracic 10 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the spinal cord typically end in adults?

<p>Between L1 and L2 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the emergence of spinal nerves is true?

<p>Spinal nerves from T1 and down come out below their vertebrae. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many spinal nerves are associated with the coccygeal vertebrae?

<p>1 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the vertebral column in supporting the body?

<p>Providing rigidity to the torso (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of spinal curvature develops in the lumbar region as a child begins to sit upright?

<p>Lumbar lordosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves to protect both the spinal cord and nerve roots?

<p>Vertebral bodies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct sequence of spinal curvature development during early childhood?

<p>Primary curve, lumbar lordosis, cervical lordosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cervical vertebrae are specifically known as the atlas and axis?

<p>C1 and C2 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the primary curve of the vertebral column?

<p>It is developed during infancy and is concave anteriorly (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature allows for the flexibility and mobility of the vertebral column?

<p>Facet joints (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT associated with the spinal meninges?

<p>Hippocampus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary structural component that gives the ligamentum flavum its yellow color?

<p>Elastin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae within the vertebral column?

<p>Ligamentum flavum (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure do the vertebral arteries pass through before entering the cranial cavity?

<p>Transverse foramina (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what vertebral level does the spinal cord typically end in adults?

<p>L1/L2 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of joint is the atlanto-occipital joint classified as?

<p>Synovial condyloid joint (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the meninges directly covers the spinal cord?

<p>Pia mater (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament runs along the posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies?

<p>Posterior longitudinal ligament (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which artery branches from the vertebral arteries and supplies the cerebellum?

<p>Postero-inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of performing a lumbar puncture in patients with raised intracranial pressure?

<p>Herniation of brain tissue (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cervical vertebra is known as the axis?

<p>C2 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the cervical sympathetic trunk in relation to the carotid sheath?

<p>Posterior to the carotid sheath (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cervical ganglion is located at the level of C6 vertebra?

<p>Middle cervical ganglion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following spinal arteries are primarily associated with the posterior spinal supply?

<p>Posterior spinal arteries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the anatomical relationship of cervical spinal nerves?

<p>Cervical nerves emerge through the intervertebral foramina (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Artery of Adamkiewicz?

<p>It is a major supply for the lower thoracic or upper lumbar region (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of veins on each side contribute to the drainage of the spinal cord?

<p>Two pairs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cervical nerve gives off the Third occipital nerve?

<p>C3 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What forms the anterior spinal vein?

<p>Midline channels parallel to the anterior median fissure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cervical Vertebrae

Vertebrae located in the neck region of the spine.

Atlas and Axis

The first and second cervical vertebrae, specialized for head movement.

Vertebral Joints

Connections between the vertebrae, allowing for flexibility and mobility.

Vertebral Arteries

Blood vessels supplying blood to the spinal cord.

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Cervical Spinal Nerves

Nerves originating from the cervical spinal cord.

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Spinal Meninges

Protective membranes surrounding the spinal cord.

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Lumbar Puncture

Procedure involving needle insertion into the lower back to obtain cerebrospinal fluid.

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Skull Osteology

Study of the skull's bony structure.

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Vertebral Bodies

The weight-bearing parts of the spine, increasing in size from neck to lower back.

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Vertebral Arches

The structures that protect the spinal cord and nerves.

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Vertebral Canal

The hollow space inside the vertebral column, housing the spinal cord and nerves.

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Pedicle

The part of the vertebral arch that connects to the vertebral body

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Lamina

The plate-like part of the vertebral arch, connecting pedicle and spinous and transverse processes.

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Facet Joints

Plane joints between articular processes of vertebrae. A type of secondary cartilaginous joint.

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Intervertebral Disc

A fibrocartilaginous joint between vertebral bodies, providing stability, flexibility, and pressure regulation.

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Annulus Fibrosus

Outer layer of the intervertebral disc, high tensile strength, connects vertebral bodies.

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Nucleus Pulposus

Inner layer of the intervertebral disc, high resilience, gelatinous structure, mostly water.

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Vertebral Column Ligaments

Connect corresponding parts of adjacent vertebrae; provide structural support and stability.

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Spinal Cord Segments

Sections of the spinal cord, each corresponding to a particular region of the body, responsible for controlling specific functions.

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Thoracic Spinal Nerves

Twelve nerves that originate from the thoracic spinal cord region, responsible for innervating the chest, back, and abdominal regions.

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Cauda Equina

A bundle of spinal nerves that originates from the end of the spinal cord and extends downwards like a horse's tail.

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Where does the spinal cord end?

The spinal cord typically ends between the first and second lumbar vertebrae (L1-L2) in adults.

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Where do spinal nerves exit?

Spinal nerves emerge from the intervertebral foramina, the openings between adjacent vertebrae.

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What is the cervical sympathetic trunk?

A chain of ganglia (groups of nerve cell bodies) that runs along the neck, parallel to the vertebral column. It connects to the thoracic sympathetic trunk and contributes to sympathetic innervation in the neck.

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How many cervical ganglia are there?

There are three cervical ganglia: superior, middle, and inferior (also known as the stellate ganglion if fused with the T1 ganglion).

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What are the cervical plexi?

Networks of nerves formed by the anterior rami of the cervical spinal nerves (C1-C4). The cervical plexus gives rise to nerves that innervate muscles and structures in the neck, head, and shoulder.

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What is the brachial plexus?

A complex network of nerves formed by the anterior rami of the cervical (C5-T1) and thoracic (T1) spinal nerves. It supplies the upper limb with motor and sensory innervation.

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What is the suboccipital nerve?

The largest posterior ramus of the C1 nerve. It supplies the muscles that control head movement.

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What is the great occipital nerve?

The medial branch of the posterior ramus of the C2 nerve. It provides sensory innervation to the back of the scalp.

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What is the artery of Adamkiewicz?

A large segmental spinal artery that typically arises from the lower thoracic or upper lumbar region and provides a major blood supply to the lower two-thirds of the spinal cord.

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Ligamentum Flavum

A yellow elastic ligament connecting the laminae of adjacent vertebrae. It helps with spinal extension and prevents hyperextension.

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Anterior Longitudinal Ligament

A strong ligament running along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies. It prevents excessive hyperextension of the spine and helps maintain its stability.

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Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

A ligament running along the posterior surface of the vertebral bodies, inside the vertebral canal. It prevents excessive flexion of the spine and helps maintain its stability.

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Interspinous Ligament

A ligament connecting the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. It limits spinal flexion.

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Supraspinous Ligament

A ligament connecting the tips of the spinous processes of the vertebrae. It limits spinal flexion and is called the ligamentum nuchae in the neck.

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Intervertebral Foramina

Openings between adjacent vertebrae through which spinal nerves and blood vessels pass.

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Atlas (C1)

The first cervical vertebra, ring-shaped, supporting the head. It has no body and allows for head nodding.

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Axis (C2)

The second cervical vertebra, with a tooth-like projection (odontoid process) that allows for head rotation.

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Atlanto-Occipital Joint

The joint between the atlas (C1) and the occipital bone of the skull. It allows for head nodding (flexion and extension).

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Atlantoaxial Joint

The joint between the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). It allows for head rotation.

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Study Notes

Cervical Spine, Cord and Nerves, and Skull Osteology

  • Learning Outcomes:
    • Describe the structure of cervical vertebrae, focusing on atlas and axis.
    • Describe the joints between vertebrae.
    • Describe vertebral arteries and their course.
    • Discuss cervical spinal nerves.
    • Describe spinal meninges and relate anatomy to lumbar puncture procedure.
    • Describe skull osteology in frontal, posterior, superior, and inferior views.
    • Describe cranial fossae.

Vertebral Column

  • Structure:
    • Cervical curvature
    • Thoracic curvature
    • Lumbar curvature
    • Sacral/coccygeal curvature
    • 7 Cervical vertebrae (C1-C7)
    • 12 Thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12)
    • 5 Lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5)
    • 5 Sacral vertebrae (fused) (S1-S5)
    • 4 Coccygeal vertebrae (fused) (Co1-Co4)
  • Functions:
    • Protection of spinal cord and nerve roots.
    • Supports head, shoulders, and thorax.
    • Connects upper and lower body.
    • Provides balance and weight distribution.
    • Enables flexibility and mobility (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation)

Curvatures of the Vertebral Column

  • Kyphosis: The primary or first-formed curve in the vertebral column.
  • Lordosis: Secondary curves that develop as the child sits upright (lumbar lordosis), and when the child holds its head up (cervical lordosis).

General Structure of Vertebrae

  • Vertebral bodies: The weight-bearing components, increasing in size from cervical to lumbar.
  • Vertebral arches: Protect the contents of the vertebral canal.
  • Vertebral canal: Contains the spinal cord, meninges, blood vessels, and dorsal root ganglia.

Vertebral Arch

  • Pedicle: Latin for "foot"; part of the vertebral arch.
  • Lamina: Latin for "thin plate"; part of the vertebral arch.
  • Spinous process: Projects posteriorly.
  • Transverse process: Projects on each side.

Joints of the Vertebral Column

  • Zygapophysial joints (Facet joints): Plane joints between articular processes.
  • Intervertebral discs: Fibrocartilaginous joints between vertebral bodies; crucial for stability, flexibility, pressure regulation and acting as cushions.

Intervertebral Disc

  • Annulus fibrosus: Outer zone with high tensile strength - connects adjacent vertebral bodies; fibrocartilage attached to vertebral bodies cartilage endplate.
  • Nucleus pulposus: Inner zone, high resilience, gelatinous structure, 80-85% water.

Spinal Cord

  • Continuation of the brain stem: It extends into the spinal canal.
  • Foramen magnum: Where it begins, at the base of the skull.
  • Ends at lower border: Of the first lumbar vertebra in adults and L4 in young children.

Meninges

  • Pia Mater: Thin, delicate membrane covering the cord.
  • Arachnoid Mater: Middle layer, web-like appearance.
  • Dura Mater: Outermost layer, tough and fibrous.
  • Subarachnoid space: Filled with Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF).
  • Epidural space: Filled with fat outside dura mater

Spinal Cord Segments and Spinal Nerves

  • Cervical (8): Emerge above their vertebrae
  • Thoracic (12): Emerge below their vertebrae
  • Lumbar (5): Emerge below their vertebrae
  • Sacral (5): Emerge below their vertebrae
  • Coccygeal (1): Emerge below their vertebrae

Clinical Correlates

  • Cervical Spine Injury: Avoid extending the cervical spine during airway management in trauma patients; could lead to severe spine injury
  • Lumbar Tap (Puncture): Contraindicated in presence of raised intracranial pressure (ICP).

Arterial Supply

  • Anterior spinal artery: Arises from vertebral arteries, descending down the spinal cord.
  • Posterior spinal arteries: Branch off from other vessels.
  • Segmental spinal arteries: Supply the vertebral column.

Venous Drainage

  • Anterior and posterior spinal veins: Drain into the internal vertebral plexus in the extradural space.

Cervical Vertebrae

  • Atlas (C1): Atypical vertebra with no body or spinous process

Cervical Spinal Nerves

  • Numbered: 8, despite only 7 cervical vertebrae.
  • Emergence: Through intervertebral foramina.
  • C1: Emerges between skull and C1 vertebrae
  • C8: Emerges below the C7 vertebra.
  • All other nerves (except C1): Emerge below their relative vertebrae
  • Emerges from intervertebral foramina

Cervical Plexus

  • Nerves: Lesser occipital nerve, great auricular nerve, transverse cervical nerve, supraclavicular nerve, ansa cervicalis (superior and inferior roots).
  • Distribution: Primarily to the head and neck

Brachial Plexus

  • Nerves: Phrenic nerve, (to diaphragm), axillary nerve, suprascapular nerve...etc.
  • Distribution: Primarily to upper limb(arm, shoulder), and related structures

Cervical Sympathetic Trunk

  • Ganglia: Superior, middle, inferior cervical ganglia
  • Function: Innervates structures in the head, neck and shoulders

Practical Questions

  • Practical questions from the lecture, potentially available to be answered.

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Related Documents

22 Cervical Spine Osteology PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the cervical spine, including the atlas and axis vertebrae, spinal nerves, and their functions. Explore the structure of the skull from different views and understand the concept of cranial fossae. This quiz covers key learning outcomes related to the vertebral column and its protective role.

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