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Questions and Answers
What is the largest individual vertebra in the vertebral column?
Which vertebrae are the strongest in the vertebral column and why?
Where are the cartilaginous disks that are common sites for injury and pathologic processes located?
What is the function of the intervertebral foramina?
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What is the angle formed by the zygapophyseal joints in the lumbar vertebrae?
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What is the name of the half-moon-shaped area along the upper surface of each pedicle?
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What is the name of the bridge between the transverse processes, lateral masses, and spinous process?
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What is the angle formed by the zygapophyseal joints in the thoracic vertebrae?
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What is the position required to open and demonstrate the thoracic zygapophyseal joints radiographically?
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Which type of vertebrae are the strongest in the vertebral column?
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What are the common sites for injury and pathologic processes between the inferior lumbar vertebrae?
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Which type of vertebral bodies are larger in comparison with thoracic and cervical vertebral bodies?
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Which process is bulky and blunt in lumbar vertebrae?
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What are intervertebral foramina?
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What is the angle formed by the zygapophyseal joints in the upper lumbar vertebrae?
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What is the angle formed by the thoracic zygapophyseal joints from the midsagittal plane?
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What is the position required to open and demonstrate the thoracic zygapophyseal joints radiographically?
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What is the orientation of the intervertebral foramina on the thoracic vertebrae?
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Which vertebrae have the largest and strongest vertebral bodies in the spinal column?
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What are intervertebral foramina?
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What is the function of the zygapophyseal joints?
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What is the pars interarticularis?
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What is the angle formed by the zygapophyseal joints in the thoracic vertebrae?
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What is required to open and demonstrate the thoracic zygapophyseal joints radiographically?
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What is the location of the openings of the intervertebral foramina on the thoracic vertebrae?
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What is visualized in the lateral position in the right posterior oblique radiographic projection of the thoracic spine?
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What does the LPO position show in the cervical spine radiographs?
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Study Notes
Anatomy of the Spinal Column: Lumbar, Thoracic, and Cervical Vertebrae
- The lumbar vertebrae are the largest and strongest in the vertebral column due to the increasing load of body weight towards the inferior end.
- Lateral perspective of a typical lumbar vertebra shows larger vertebral bodies, small transverse processes, and bulky and blunt spinous process.
- Intervertebral foramina are spaces or openings between pedicles when two vertebrae are stacked on each other, and they allow important spinal nerves and blood vessels to pass through.
- The zygapophyseal joints, also known as facets, form an angle open from 30° to 50° to the midsagittal plane, and they are demonstrated radiographically by rotating the patient's body an average of 45°.
- The laminae form a bridge between the transverse processes, lateral masses, and spinous process, and the portion of each lamina between the superior and inferior articular processes is the pars interarticularis.
- Anteroposterior or posteroanterior radiographic projections of the lumbar spine demonstrate the spinous processes superimposed on the vertebral bodies, and the transverse processes are demonstrated protruding laterally beyond the edges of the vertebral body.
- In the thoracic vertebrae, the zygapophyseal joints form an angle of 70° to 75° from the midsagittal plane, and a 70° to 75° oblique position with a perpendicular central ray is required to open and demonstrate the thoracic zygapophyseal joints radiographically.
- The openings of the intervertebral foramina on the thoracic vertebrae are located at right angles, or 90°, to the midsagittal plane.
- The zygapophyseal joints visualize well in the lateral position, and on the right, the posterior oblique with a 45° rotation shows that the intervertebral foramina are clearly opened.
- The cervical spine radiographs show the zygapophyseal joints located between the articular pillars of each vertebra, and the oblique cervical spine radiograph shows the circular intervertebral foramina opened.
- The LPO position will show the same anatomy as the right anterior oblique, and the right intervertebral foramina will be visualized.
- Table 8.4 presents a summary of cervical spine joints and foramina.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the lumbar vertebrae and their importance in supporting body weight with this quiz! Learn about common injuries and pathologic processes associated with the cartilaginous disks between these vertebrae. Explore lateral and superior perspectives of the vertebral column in this informative quiz.
