Lecture #2 - Spinal Anatomy

How many total vertebrae are present in the human spine?

What are the two types of spinal curves and how do they differ?

What percentage of the length of the spinal cord do intervertebral discs account for?

What are the two main parts of an intervertebral disc?

What structure do the vertebral arteries travel superiorly through?

At what vertebral level does the aorta bifurcate into the left and right common iliac arteries?

What is the main function of the nucleus pulposus in intervertebral discs?

What is the orientation of the thoracic zygapophyseal joints?

What is the primary role of uncovertebral joints in the cervical spine?

Which cervical vertebrae typically develop uncovertebral joints?

What functions do the anterior and posterior roots of spinal nerves serve?

Where does the C1 nerve root exit relative to the C1 vertebra?

What condition occurs when L5 is fused to the sacrum?

In what way does the inferior articular process of vertebrae face?

What spinal nerves pass through the intervertebral foramen (IVF) inferior to their corresponding vertebrae?

Identify one example of a continuous ligament in the vertebral column.

What ligament connects the tips of the spinous processes in the spine, restricting flexion?

Which part of the spine carries the most load?

What is the primary role of the ligamentum flavum?

At what vertebral level should the hyoid bone be level with at rest?

What is the composition of the cauda equina related to spinal nerves?

Which ligaments are paired in the spinal column?

What happens to the nucleus pulposus as a person ages?

What does the annulus fibrosus provide protection against in intervertebral discs?

Which part of the vertebral column has the cervical zygapophyseal joints oriented towards?

What structure do the vertebral arteries merge to form at the brainstem?

Which specific area of the spine is absent of intervertebral discs?

What is the primary function of the spine in relation to functional movement?

Where do the jugular veins drain into in the body?

During what movements are secondary curves of the spine typically developed?

What structural feature aids in the articulation of cervical vertebrae above C3?

What motion do uncovertebral joints primarily assist in limiting?

At which vertebral levels do the L2-4 nerve roots experience pinching?

In which direction do the superior articular processes of the lumbar vertebrae typically face?

What ligaments are involved in restricting lateral flexion in the spine?

Where does the spinal cord terminate in the vertebral column?

Which ligaments primarily prevent hyperflexion of the spine?

What is the function of the anterior root of a spinal nerve?

Identify one effect of lumbarization in the lumbar spine.

What is the anatomical position of the hyoid bone at rest?

Which area denotes the passage for cervical nerves C2-C7?

Name the anatomical connections of the apical ligament.

Which ligaments are categorized as non-paired ligaments?

To which vertebrae does the C8 nerve root pass?

What are the two primary functions of the spine?

What are the three regions of the spine?

How many intervertebral discs are present in the human spine?

What is the weakest part of the annulus fibrosus?

What is the composition of the nucleus pulposus in terms of water percentage?

At what vertebral level do the vertebral arteries re-enter after merging to form the basilar artery?

What adjustments in the spine occur as a result of secondary curves developing?

What does the aorta bifurcate into at the L4 level?

What is the primary function of the uncovertebral joints in the cervical spine?

At which cervical vertebrae do uncovertebral joints typically develop?

Which spinal nerve root is positioned superior to the arch of the C1 vertebra?

What is the specific effect of lumbarization on the vertebral column?

What direction does the inferior articular process face in lumbar vertebrae?

What is the role of the anterior longitudinal ligament in the spine?

What is the anatomical significance of the cauda equina?

Which vertebra is typically affected when pinching occurs at the L2-4 nerve roots?

Which ligaments are primarily involved in limiting hyperflexion of the spine?

Which two movements do the upper cervical ligaments (e.g., alar ligaments) limit?

What structure of the spinal column runs between the vertebral body and neighboring pedicle?

Which ligaments connect the tips of adjacent spinous processes?

What is the characteristic orientation of thoracic zygapophyseal joints?

Which area of the spine does the costovertebral joint connect?

What are the two main mobility zones of the spine?

What region of the spine is the intervertebral disc absent from?

What is the function of the annulus fibrosus within intervertebral discs?

Name the artery that bifurcates into the left and right common iliac arteries at L4.

What is the primary function of the vertebral arteries in relation to the brain?

Which spinal curves are classified as primary curves and are present at birth?

What is the predominant characteristic of the cervical zygapophyseal joints in terms of orientation?

What happens to the nucleus pulposus with age?

What are the functions of uncovertebral joints in the cervical spine?

Where do the thoracic spinal nerves pass relative to the corresponding vertebrae?

Which areas are innervated by the C8-T4 spinal nerves?

What specific segment of the spine typically experiences the most load?

Describe the direction in which the superior articular processes of lumbar vertebrae face.

At what aspect and which intervertebral disc does the L5 nerve root experience pinching?

What ligament acts as the primary stabilizer from the base of the skull to the sacrum?

Identify the anatomical structures through which the spinal nerves run based on the acronym AAV.

What specific changes occur during sacralization and lumbarization?

Which ligaments are categorized as non-continuous in the spinal column?

How does the anterior root of a spinal nerve differ in function from the posterior root?

Which ligament connects the tips of spinous processes from C7 to the sacrum, and what movement does it restrict?

What structures commonly refer pain to the thoracic spine?

What anatomical feature provides support to the spine and links it to the abdominal structures?

What role do interarticular ligaments play in the costovertebral joint?

What are the two primary sections of the spine responsible for mobility?

What is the main function of intervertebral discs in relation to force?

Name the part of the spine that is absent from intervertebral discs.

What percentage of the nucleus pulposus is composed of water?

What does the basilar artery extend from?

At which vertebral level do the common iliac arteries bifurcate from the aorta?

Where does neovascularization occur in the intervertebral discs?

Which spinal region exhibits zygapophyseal joint orientation towards the midline?

What is the role of uncovertebral joints in cervical stability?

At what vertebral levels are the L5 nerve roots typically pinched?

How do the superior and inferior articular processes of the lumbar vertebrae orient?

What structural condition occurs during sacralization?

What motion is primarily limited by the ligamentum flavum?

How many ribs and vertebrae should normally be present in a human?

What are the two divisions of spinal nerves and their functions?

In which direction do cervical nerves C2-C7 exit?

What limitation does the posterior longitudinal ligament impose?

What structures run through the intervertebral foramen (IVF)?

What is the anatomical significance of the hyoid bone?

What directional movement is restricted by the intertransverse ligaments?

What role does the thoracolumbar fascia serve?