Spinal Anatomy and Disorders Quiz

The tough, dense outer layer of the intervertebral disk that helps resist compression and keeps the vertebrae separated.

The flexible inner layer of the intervertebral disk that acts as a shock absorber and allows for movement.

A condition where the cartilage in joints wears down, causing bones to rub against each other, leading to cracking and grinding sounds.

The muscle that helps with shoulder elevation, neck extension, lateral flexion, and rotation.

The muscle that helps with horizontal abduction and stabilization of the shoulder.

The muscle that helps with scapular depression, rotation, and retraction.

The muscle that helps with shoulder adduction, extension, and medial rotation.

The muscle group that helps with trunk extension, lateral trunk flexion, and maintaining trunk posture.

The bones that make up the spinal column.

The four main sections of the spine are the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions.

The cervical region has 7 vertebrae, the thoracic region has 12, the lumbar region has 5, and the sacral region has 5 fused vertebrae.

The ideal position of the spine where the curves are balanced, not too much or too little, making it the strongest position.

To maintain neutral spine, both normal anatomical alignment and balanced muscle strength are crucial.

The natural curves of the spine. The cervical and lumbar regions are lordotic, while the thoracic and sacral regions are kyphotic.

Excessive posterior/backward curve usually seen in the thoracic and sacral regions.

Excessive forward curve, usually seen in the lumbar or cervical regions.

A condition where the spine curves sideways, typically in an S-shape.

Poor posture and back pain.

A condition where one or more vertebrae in the spine slip forward.

Pain in the buttock and down the leg caused by compression of the sciatic nerve.

A chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine, causing the vertebrae to fuse together.

A condition where the discs in the spine degenerate and lose their ability to cushion the vertebrae.

A condition where a portion of the disc pushes out of its normal position, compressing nearby nerves

A surgical procedure that removes the herniated disc and the damaged part of the disc, relieving pressure on the nerves

The rectus abdominis is a long, flat muscle that runs vertically down the center of the abdomen. It's responsible for flexing the trunk and spine, helping you bend forward.

The transverse abdominis is a deep muscle that wraps around your abdomen like a corset. It's important for supporting the abdominal wall, maintaining posture, and assisting with breathing.

The obliques are two sets of muscles (external and internal) that run diagonally on the sides of your abdomen. They're responsible for rotating your trunk and spine, helping with twisting motions.

The scalenes are a group of muscles located in your neck that help you flex your neck and assist with breathing. They attach to your ribs, so they can also pull on your chest during inspiration.

The sternocleidomastoid is a large, prominent muscle in your neck that runs from your sternum and clavicle (collarbone) to your mastoid process (behind your ear). It's responsible for lateral flexion (bending your neck to the side) and rotation of your neck.

The levator scapulae is a muscle located at the back of your neck that elevates (raises) your scapula (shoulder blade). It also helps to rotate and depress your scapula.

A sprain refers to an injury to a ligament, which connects bones to each other. In the spine, a sprain usually occurs due to a combination of trunk flexion and rotation.

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, which connects muscle to bone. In the spine, strains are common and often happen due to extending the back under stress or sudden twisting movements.

A group of disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, or posture, caused by damage to the developing brain, often before birth.

A group of diseases causing progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass.

A birth defect where the spinal column doesn't form properly, exposing the spinal cord and nerves.

A disabling and life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus, which can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis.

A sideways curvature of the spine.

Scoliosis where the cause is unknown.

A prominent rib on one side of the back when bending forward, indicating a scoliosis curve.

A surgery for scoliosis involving inserting screws and rods along the spine, removing the facet joints, and making a bone graft.

A stress fracture in the pars interarticularis, a small bone segment that connects two vertebrae. This usually impacts young athletes from repetitive strain.

The breakdown of cartilage in the spine due to normal wear and tear, mainly affecting the neck and lower back, resulting in pain and stiffness.

A medical professional who specializes in administering anesthesia before, during, and after surgeries. They monitor a patient's vital signs and administer medications for pain control.

A healthcare professional who provides non-surgical treatment for musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, focusing on rehabilitation and pain management.

A medical professional who works closely with patients providing care, medication, and education, often under the supervision of a physician.

A specialized type of medical doctor who performs surgeries on patients across various specialties, including open heart surgery, orthopedic procedures, and neurosurgery.