Spinal Anatomy and Herniation Quiz

Anatomy of the Lower Limb and Spine

• The anulus fibrosus can rupture under excessive pressure, allowing the nucleus pulposus to herniate and potentially compress spinal nerves or the spinal cord.
• Joints between mobile vertebrae include those between their bodies and articular facets, facilitating movement.
• Superior articular facets connect with vertebra above, while inferior facets connect with vertebra below.
• Intervertebral discs play a crucial role in the articulation between vertebral bodies, providing cushioning.
• The anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) supports the vertebral column by preventing hyperextension.
• The posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) runs along the vertebral column, preventing hyperflexion.
• The femur is the longest bone in the body and provides attachment sites for muscles and ligaments.

Femur Structure

• The femur's shaft descends medially, aligning the knees closer to the body’s center of gravity for better stability.
• The linea aspera is a prominent ridge on the femoral shaft, important for muscle attachment, splitting into medial and lateral supracondylar lines distally.
• The proximal end of the femur articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis, forming the hip joint.

Proximal Landmarks of the Femur

• The head of the femur features a smooth surface for articulation, with a fovea for ligamentum teres attachment.
• The neck connects the head with the shaft, projecting superiorly and medially.
• The greater trochanter is the most lateral projection, serving as an attachment site for gluteal muscles.
• The lesser trochanter, smaller than the greater trochanter, provides muscle attachment.

Patella (Kneecap)

• The patella is the second largest bone in the body, classified as a sesamoid bone that improves the leverage of the quadriceps tendon.
• It has a triangular shape and is located within the patellofemoral groove of the femur.

Tibia and Knee Joint

• The proximal tibia consists of medial and lateral condyles, forming the tibial plateau that articulates with the femoral condyles, key to knee function.
• The intercondylar eminence aids in stabilizing the knee joint and provides attachment for ligaments.

Knee Joint and Extracapsular Ligaments

• The knee joint is a hinge-type synovial joint allowing flexion, extension, and slight rotation.
• The iliofemoral ligament prevents hyperextension of the hip joint and originates from the anterior inferior iliac spine.
• The pubofemoral ligament reinforces the hip capsule, preventing excessive abduction and extension.

Articulating Surfaces and Bursa in the Knee

• The knee consists of two articulations: tibiofemoral and patellofemoral, with the surfaces lined by hyaline cartilage.
• Bursa are synovial fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between moving structures in the joint.

Distinct Lateral Ligaments

• The ankle joint, a hinge joint, permits movement in one plane, with the lateral ligaments playing a crucial role in stability during dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.
• Anterior talofibular, posterior talofibular, and calcaneofibular ligaments support the ankle, with potential injuries influenced by foot positioning.
• Eversion and inversion movements involve the subtalar joint, affecting stability and risk of injury.

Test your knowledge on spinal anatomy, particularly the structure of the vertebral arch and the conditions leading to herniation of the nucleus pulposus. This quiz covers key concepts related to spinal nerve roots and the potential implications of a ruptured anulus fibrosus.