Human Anatomy: Vertebral Column Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What function do the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs primarily serve?

Protect the spinal cord

Bear weight (correct)

Facilitate breathing

Assist in spinal rotation

What does the vertebral canal contain?

Vertebral bodies

Only spinal nerves

The spinal cord and its coverings (correct)

Only blood vessels

Which parts make up the vertebral arch?

Pedicle and transverse process

Pedicle and lamina (correct)

Lamina and vertebral body

Spinous process and vertebral body

What structure projects posteriorly in the midline of the vertebral arch?

Spinous process Signup and view all the answers

What do the superior and inferior articular processes do?

Articulate with adjacent vertebrae Signup and view all the answers

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

To connect adjacent annular epiphyses Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc?

It has a high resilience and is gelatinous in nature. Signup and view all the answers

What type of joints are the facet joints in the vertebral column?

Plane joints Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament in the vertebral column runs along the anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies?

Anterior longitudinal ligament Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the intervertebral disc in the vertebral column?

To stabilize the vertebrae and regulate pressure Signup and view all the answers

What defines the primary or first-formed curve in the vertebral column?

Kyphosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the intervertebral joints?

They consist of cartilage that absorbs shock. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of vertebral arteries within the cervical region?

To supply blood to the spinal cord and brain Signup and view all the answers

Which cervical vertebrae are specifically referred to as the atlas and axis?

C1 and C2 Signup and view all the answers

What functions are associated with the cervical spinal nerves?

Both sensory and motor functions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the functions of the vertebral column?

Base for hormonal release Signup and view all the answers

What is cervical lordosis associated with?

Sitting upright in childhood Signup and view all the answers

Which layer is integral to the procedure of a lumbar puncture?

Spinal meninges Signup and view all the answers

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

8 Signup and view all the answers

Where does the spinal cord typically end in an adult?

L1 & L2 Signup and view all the answers

Which cervical spinal nerve emerges below C7?

C8 Signup and view all the answers

How do the thoracic spinal nerves differ in their emergence relative to the corresponding vertebrae?

All emerge below their vertebrae Signup and view all the answers

How many sacral spinal nerves are there in the typical human anatomy?

5 Signup and view all the answers

Where do spinal nerves emerge from?

The intervertebral foramina Signup and view all the answers

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

Middle cervical ganglion Signup and view all the answers

What type of arteries provide the anterior and posterior blood supply to the spinal cord?

Anterior spinal artery and posterior spinal arteries Signup and view all the answers

Which ramus is larger in cervical spinal nerves C1 compared to its counterpart?

Posterior ramus Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is described as merging with the T1 ganglion to form the Stellate ganglion?

Inferior cervical ganglion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following veins is involved in draining the spinal cord?

Anterior spinal vein Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the internal vertebral plexus?

Draining the spinal cord's venous blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct anatomical location of the superior cervical ganglion?

At the C1 and C2 vertebral levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that makes the ligamentum flavum yellow?

Presence of elastin Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament is located between the laminae of the vertebrae?

Ligamentum flavum Signup and view all the answers

What joint allows for nodding movements of the head?

Atlanto-occipital joint Signup and view all the answers

Which arteries merge to form the Basilar artery?

Vertebral arteries Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures covers the brain and spinal cord?

Meninges Signup and view all the answers

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

L1/L2 vertebral level Signup and view all the answers

Which space contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Subarachnoid space Signup and view all the answers

Which is a contraindication for conducting a lumbar puncture?

Raised intracranial pressure Signup and view all the answers

What ligament runs along the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies?

Posterior longitudinal ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the intervertebral foramina?

They allow blood vessels and spinal nerves to exit Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cervical Spine, Cord and Nerves and Skull Osteology

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

Vertebral Column

Structure:
- The vertebral column has 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal vertebrae.
- Intervertebral discs are crucial for weight bearing. Their size increases from cervical to lumbar vertebrae.
- Vertebral arches protect contents of the vertebral canal.
- The vertebral canal houses the spinal cord, its meninges, blood vessels, and spinal nerves.

Functions of the Vertebral Column

Protection: Spinal cord, nerve roots, and internal organs.
Base for Attachment: Ligaments, tendons, muscles.
Structural Support: Connects upper and lower body, maintaining balance.
Flexibility and Mobility:
- Flexion (forward bending).
- Extension (backward bending).
- Lateral flexion (bending to the sides).
- Rotation (turning).
- Any combination of these movements.

Curvatures of the Vertebral Column

KYPHOSIS: The primary, first formed curve of the vertebral column.
LORDOSIS: Secondary curves develop as the child sits upright (lumbar) and holds its head erect (cervical).

General Structure of Vertebrae

Vertebral bodies: Weight bearing components; increasing in size from superior (cervical) to inferior (lumbar).
Vertebral arches: Protect the structures contained within the vertebral canal.
Vertebral canal: Houses the spinal cord, the meninges, and the blood vessels.

The Vertebral Arch

The vertebral arch is formed by the pedicles and laminae.
It includes spinous processes, which project posteriorly in the midline, and transverse processes on each side.
Superior and inferior articular processes articulate with adjacent vertebrae.

Joints in the Vertebral Column

Zygapophysial joints (facet joints): Plane type joints formed between articular processes.
Secondary cartilaginous joints/symphyses: Intervertebral discs connecting vertebral bodies.

Intervertebral Disc

A fibrocartilaginous joint connecting the vertebral bodies.
Annulus fibrosus: Outer layer, high tensile strength, connects adjacent annular epiphyses of vertebral bodies and attaches to cartilaginous endplate.
Nucleus pulposus: Inner gel-like structure providing resilience and high water content (80-85%).

Ligaments of the Vertebral Column

Longitudinal ligaments: Anterior - along anterior vertebral bodies, Posterior - along posterior vertebral bodies.
Ligamentum flavum: Yellow due to elastin, between laminae.
Interspinous ligament: Connects adjacent spinous processes.
Supraspinous ligament: Connects spinous processes; ligamentum nuchae in the neck.

Intervertebral Foramina

Spinal nerves and blood vessels emerge from the intervertebral foramina.

Cervical Vertebrae

Atlas (C1): Atypical vertebra lacking a body and spinous process. Key features include anterior and posterior tubercles. lateral masses, facilitating nodding; important for articulation with occipital condyles of skull.
Axis (C2): Atypical vertebra featuring a dens (odontoid process). This structure allows for rotation of the head and articulation with the axis.
Typical Cervical Vertebrae (C3-C7): These vertebrae typically exhibit a bifid spinous process.

Atlanto-occipital Joint

Synovial condyloid joints between the superior articular facets of the atlas and the occipital condyles of the skull. Allow nodding movements.

Atlantoaxial Joint

Synovial pivot joint; allows rotation of the head. Key elements include the atlas and dens/odontoid process of the axis.

Vertebral Arteries

These arteries supply blood to the spinal cord and brain. They ascend in transverse foramina, enter the foramen magnum, and branch into various spinal arteries and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). The two vertebral arteries then merge into the basilar artery.

Clinical Correlate - Cervical Spine Injury

In trauma patients, clearing the airway should avoid extending the cervical spine.
Contraindicated for cases with raised intracranial pressure (ICP).

Spinal Cord

Continuation of the brainstem.
Extends from the foramen magnum of the skull to the first lumbar vertebrae.
Important for connecting the brain to the body.

Spinal Cord Segments and Spinal Nerves

Cervical (8)
Thoracic (12)
Lumbar (5)
Sacral (5)
Coccygeal (1)

Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves: Vertebral Level Differences

Spinal cord segments don't always match corresponding vertebral level.

Spinal Nerves

Important for communication between the spinal cord and the body; branching out from the spinal cord.
They emerge from the intervertebral foramina. C1-C7 emerge above their vertebrae, C8 below C7, and Thoracic/Lumbar Below their respective vertebrae.
There are eight cervical spinal nerves.

Cervical Sympathetic Trunk

Continuous with thoracic trunk.
Travels posteriorly to the carotid sheath on the prevertebral fascia.
Consists of three ganglia (superior, middle, inferior).

Cervical Plexus

Formed by the anterior rami of C1-C4 spinal nerves.
Innervates muscles and skin of the neck and part of the head.
Nerves of note include the lesser occipital, great auricular, transverse cervical, supraclavicular nerves.

Brachial Plexus

Formed by the anterior rami of C5-T1 spinal nerves.
Important for controlling muscular and sensory functions throughout the upper limb.

Posterior Rami of Cervical Nerves

Smaller branches than the anterior rami; the medial branches are sometimes named (the great occipital nerve, the third occipital nerve) to indicate innervation region.
Each posterior ramus innervates muscles of the back and the skin of the back.

Arterial Supply

Longitudinal vessels: Anterior and posterior spinal arteries.
Segmental spinal arteries: Branching of the posterior spinal arteries from PICA, and the ascending cervical arteries, enter and branch off from intervertebral foramina.
Anterior and posterior radicular arteries: Travel through intervertebral foramina to supply the spinal cord and its nerve roots.
Artery of Adamkiewicz: A significant branch, arises in the lower thoracic or upper lumbar region

Venous Drainage

Longitudinal channels and midline channels parallel to the anterior median fissure and posterior median sulcus.
Veins drain into the internal vertebral plexus in the extradural space.

Lumbar Puncture (Tap)

A procedure that uses a needle to obtain cerebrospinal fluid.
Used for various clinical assessments, such as assessing for infection, to measure pressure, and for diagnostic reasons.
Contraindicated for cases of increased intracranial pressure (ICP).

Practical Questions

Provided after the references in a separate section. (No detail available from the image provided).

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Description

Test your knowledge on the structure and function of the vertebral column, including vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, and ligaments. This quiz covers key concepts that are essential for understanding the anatomy and biomechanics of the spine.