Human Anatomy: Vertebral Column Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the primary curvatures of the vertebral column?

Lumbar and sacral curvatures

Thoracic and pelvic curvatures (correct)

Cervical and thoracic curvatures

Cervical and lumbar curvatures

Which part of the vertebra is primarily responsible for weight-bearing?

Spinous process

Vertebral arch

Vertebral body (correct)

Transverse process

What is the purpose of intervertebral discs?

To provide attachment for spinal muscles

To connect the spinal cord to the brain

To bind adjacent vertebrae together (correct)

To form the vertebral canal

How many cervical vertebrae are present in the vertebral column?

7 Signup and view all the answers

What is scoliosis?

Lateral deviation of the spine Signup and view all the answers

Which vertebral structure forms the vertebral canal?

Vertebral foramen Signup and view all the answers

At what points in the vertebral column are intervertebral discs located?

Between C2-C3 to L5-S1 Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by an exaggerated thoracic curvature?

Kyphosis Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinguishing feature of cervical vertebrae?

They possess transverse foramina. Signup and view all the answers

Which function is primarily associated with thoracic vertebrae?

Supporting the thoracic cage. Signup and view all the answers

At what age do the sacral vertebrae begin to fuse?

Age 16 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pelvic girdle?

Supporting the trunk on the lower limbs. Signup and view all the answers

What separates the greater pelvis from the lesser pelvis?

Pelvic brim Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical feature primarily adapts lumbar vertebrae for weight-bearing?

A thick, stout body. Signup and view all the answers

In what structure does the pelvis primarily protect the viscera?

Pelvic cavity Signup and view all the answers

How many thoracic vertebrae are present in the human spine?

12 Signup and view all the answers

What is the lower margin of the lesser pelvis commonly referred to as?

Pelvic outlet Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the male pelvis from the female pelvis?

The thickness of the bone Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following bones is not a part of the thoracic cage?

Pelvis Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of ribs does a typical human have?

12 pairs Signup and view all the answers

Which ribs are classified as true ribs?

Ribs 1-7 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the paranasal sinuses?

Lighten the skull and add resonance to voice Signup and view all the answers

What are cranial bones primarily responsible for enclosing?

Brain Signup and view all the answers

Which structure separates the brain tissue from the cranial bones?

Dura mater Signup and view all the answers

Where does the spinal cord connect with the brain?

Foramen magnum Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the skull is referred to as the skullcap?

Calvaria Signup and view all the answers

How many bones comprise the neurocranium?

8 bones Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial bone articulates with the maxilla and zygomatic bones?

Frontal bone Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the external acoustic pore?

Provide passage for sound Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the protruding knob on the occipital bone?

External occipital protuberance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Axial Skeleton

The skeleton is divided into two parts: appendicular and axial.
Appendicular skeleton includes bones of upper and lower limbs, pectoral and pelvic girdles.
Axial skeleton includes cranium, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.

Vertebral Column

Physically supports the skull and trunk.
Allows for movement of skull and trunk.
Protects the spinal cord.
Absorbs stresses from walking, running, and lifting.
Provides attachment for limbs, thoracic cage, and postural muscles.
Consists of 33 vertebrae.
Includes cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic curvatures.
Primary curvatures are thoracic and pelvic, and occur in a C-shape.
Secondary curvatures are cervical and lumbar.
Primary curvatures develop before birth.
Secondary curvatures develop after birth.

Abnormal Spinal Curvatures

Scoliosis: abnormal lateral deviation.
Kyphosis: exaggerated thoracic curvature (common in old age).
Lordosis: exaggerated lumbar curvature (common in pregnancy and obesity).

General Structure of a Vertebra

Vertebral body: mass of spongy bone bearing the weight.
Vertebral foramen: forms the vertebral canal.
Vertebral arch: pedicle + lamina.
Spinous process: prominent prominence.
Transverse process: protrusion between lamina and pedicles.

Intervertebral Discs

Cartilaginous pads between vertebral bodies.
There are 23 discs.
First disc between C2-C3, last between L5-S1.
Help bind adjacent vertebrae together.
Enhance spinal flexibility.
Support weight of body.
Absorb shock.
Bulge laterally under stress.
Excessive stress can cause herniated discs.

Regional Characteristics of Vertebrae

Cervical vertebrae (C1-C7) are relatively small.
Their function is supporting and moving head.
C1 and C2 have unique structures.
Transverse foramina are unique to C1-C7 vertebra.

Thoracic Vertebrae

There are 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12).
Each thoracic vertebrae has ribs attached.
Supports the thoracic cage, which encloses the heart and lungs.

Sternum

Bony plate anterior to the heart.
Divided into manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.
Connects to ribs to form rib cage.

Ribs (Costae)

12 pairs of ribs.
Ribs 1-7 are true ribs, because they connect directly to the sternum.
Ribs 8-10 are false ribs because their cartilage connects to the 7th rib.
Ribs 11-12 are floating ribs, because they don't connect to the sternum.

Skull and Cranial Cavity

The skull is the most complex part of the skeleton.
Consists of 22 bones.
Cranial bones (neurocranium) enclose the cranial cavity; 8 total bones
Viscerocranium (face bones); 14 total bones.
The skull is made up of 22 bones (8 cranial, 14 viscerocranium).
Cranial fossae: depressions for the contour of the inferior surface of the brain.

Skull Cavities

Cranial cavity (cavity biggest): contains the brain (1,300 mL).
Orbits: eye sockets.
Nasal cavity.
Paranasal sinuses.
Oral cavity.
Middle & inner ear cavities.

Paranasal Sinuses

Named for the bones in which they occur.
Frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, & maxillary sinuses.
Connected to the nasal cavity.
Limed with mucous membrane.
Filled with air.
Lighten the skull and amplify sound resonance.

Cranial Bones

Frontal bone; forehead
Parietal bone; sides of the skull.
Temporal bone; temples, ear openings, and joins to the mandible
Occipital bone; back and base of the skull.

Other Bones of the Head

Zygomatic; cheek bones.
Lacrimal; inner eye wall.
Nasal; bridge of nose.
Palatine; hard palate, roof of the mouth.
Inferior nasal conchae; turbinates
Vomer; forms part of nasal septum

Pelvic Girdle or Pelvis

Bowl-shaped structure formed by sacrum, coccyx, and two hip bones (coxal bones).
Supports the trunk and protects inner organs (urinary bladder, lower colon and reproductive organs).
Comprised of sacrum, coccyx, and two hip (coxal) bones.
Encloses pelvic cavity, protecting its internal organs.
Pelvic brim = boundary between false and true pelvis.
Pelvic inlet = entrance to lesser pelvis.
Pelvic outlet = inferior margin of lesser pelvis.

Pelvic Girdle Components

Sacrum; posterior wall of the pelvic cavity.
Coccyx; formed by 4 tiny coccygeal vertebrae.
Pelvic brim; margin separating false pelvis from the true pelvis.
Pelvis Inlet; pelvic entryway to the lesser pelvis.
Pelvis outlet; inferior margin of the true pelvis.

Pelvic Girdle Differences Female/Male

Male pelvis is more heavier and thicker than female pelvis.
Female pelvis is adapted to child birth.

Thoracic Cage

Consists of thoracic vertebrae, ribs, and sternum.
Forms a roughly conical enclosure for the lungs and heart.
Provides attachment for pectoral girdle and upper limb.

Other

Cranial bone; bones of cranium
Calvaria; skullcap; top part of head
Base: inferior part of skull

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Description

Test your knowledge on the vertebral column with this comprehensive quiz. Questions cover curvatures, vertebrae functions, and common conditions related to the spine. Perfect for students of human anatomy or anyone interested in learning about the skeletal system.