The Skull Anatomy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which ribs are classified as Vertebrochondral ribs?

Ribs 11-12

Ribs 7-9

Ribs 1-7

Ribs 8-10 (correct)

What is the primary function of fontanels in a fetal skull?

To provide structural support

To allow for brain growth and compression during birth (correct)

To protect the eyes from injury

To aid in the articulation of jaw bones

Which structure articulates with the clavicles?

Manubrium

Xiphisternal joint

Body of the sternum

Clavicular Notches (correct)

What structures do the jugular foramen provide a passage for?

Internal carotid Artery and CN IX, X, XI Signup and view all the answers

Which suture marks the point of articulation between the frontal and parietal bones?

Coronal Suture Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the alveolar margin in the maxillae?

It contains the inferior sockets for teeth. Signup and view all the answers

Which bone forms part of the posterior hard palate?

Palatine Signup and view all the answers

What structure runs between the vertebrae and provides cushioning?

Intervertebral discs Signup and view all the answers

Which bones constitute the cervical region of the vertebral column?

7 vertebrae Signup and view all the answers

What defines the primary curvature of the spine?

Curvature present at birth Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine?

Scoliosis Signup and view all the answers

Where is the hyoid bone located?

In the throat above the larynx Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a role of the maxillary sinuses?

Aid in vision Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the C1 vertebra, also known as the Atlas?

It has no body and supports the skull. Signup and view all the answers

Which vertebra is referred to as the vertebral prominence?

C7 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the intervertebral foramina?

To allow for exit of spinal nerves. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the lumbar puncture procedure?

It is conducted between L3-L4 and L4-L5 to avoid spinal cord damage. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the sternum is known for its potential to cause trauma if struck?

Xiphoid process Signup and view all the answers

The sacral canal contains which of the following?

The spinal coverings and nerves. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the function of costal demifacets in thoracic vertebrae?

They facilitate rib articulation. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure articulates with the pelvic girdle?

Alae of the sacrum Signup and view all the answers

What does the Foramen Magnum allow to pass through?

Spinal Cord Signup and view all the answers

Which structure articulates with the Mandibular Condyle?

Temporal bone Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Inferior Orbital Fissure?

Passage for Infraorbital blood vessels and CN V Signup and view all the answers

Which bone is known as the cranial keystone?

Sphenoid Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Crista Gali?

Attachment of Dura mater to Skull Signup and view all the answers

Which passage allows for the transfer of the Olfactory nerve?

Cribriform Plates Signup and view all the answers

What does the Maxillae contribute to in the facial structure?

Superior teeth sockets and hard palate Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is located in the Internal Acoustic Canal?

CN VII and VIII Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Skull

The upper jawbone is formed by the two maxillae bones which are fused together
The maxillae joins all other facial bones with the exception of the mandible
The alveolar margin is the location of the inferior sockets for teeth
The palatine processes form the anterior portion of the hard palate
The lacrimal bones form part of the medial wall of the eye socket and are located between the maxillae and the ethmoid bones
The palatine bones form the posterior portion of the hard palate
The zygomatic bones form the cheekbones and part of the lateral wall of the eye socket, and are located lateral to the maxillae
The nasal bones are small rectangular bones and form the bridge of the nose
The vomer is a blade-shaped bone that forms the posterior portion of the nasal septum
The hyoid bone is located in the throat above the larynx and is not articulated to any other bones
The hyoid bone acts as an attachment point for neck and tongue muscles
Paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities within the maxillary, sphenoid, ethmoid, and frontal bones
The maxillary sinuses are the largest of the paranasal sinuses
These sinuses may act as resonance chambers and lighten the facial bones
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that can be caused by an allergy or bacterial infection
Sinusitis can block the sinus passage with mucus
Symptoms of sinusitis include sinus headaches

The Vertebral Column

The vertebral column runs from the skull to the pelvis and functions as the major axial support
The vertebral column protects the spinal cord and allows for nerves to pass from the cord through openings between the vertebra
The vertebral column consists of 24 vertebrae, the sacrum, and the coccyx
The cervical vertebrae consist of the seven bones of the neck
The thoracic vertebrae are 12 bones of the upper back
The lumbar vertebrae are the five bones of the lower back
Intervertebral discs cushion the vertebrae and absorb shock
Intervertebral discs are comprised of an inner nucleus pulposus which is a gelatinous mass surrounded by an outer ring of collagen fibers, the annulus fibrosus
A ruptured disc can cause pain and numbness, and occurs when the nucleus pulposus herniates through the annulus fibrosus and compresses the spinal nerves
The s-shape of the spine prevents shock and allows for flexibility
The primary curvature of the spine, which is in the thoracic and sacral regions, is present at birth
The secondary curvature of the spine, in the cervical and lumbar regions, is developed
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine
Kyphosis is an abnormal dorsal curvature of the spine
Lordosis is an abnormal anterior curvature of the spine

Structure of the Vertebrae

The body or centrum is the rounded central portion of the vertebra, facing anteriorly
The vertebral arch is made up of the pedicles, laminae, and a spinous process
The pedicles connect the body to the laminae
The laminae extend from the pedicles to the spinous and transverse processes
The spinous processes are posterior projections from the arch
The vertebral foramen is the opening between the arch and the body, and is where the spinal cord passes
The transverse processes are lateral projection of the arch
The superior and inferior articular processes articulate between vertebrae
The superior articular processes face toward the spinous process, while the inferior ones face away
The intervertebral foramina are openings within the pedicles that allow spinal nerves to pass between the vertebra
C1 and C2, the Atlas and Axis, are the first two cervical vertebrae and have special functions and names
The Atlas (C1) has no body and has lateral processes with large depressions that receive the occipital condyles of the skull
The Axis (C2) acts as a pivot for rotation of the atlas, and the odontoid process/dens forms the pivot
The Vertebral prominence (C7) is visible through the skin
The body of thoracic vertebrae contains costal demifacets which articulate with the ribs
The positioning of the superior and inferior articular processes in the thoracic vertebrae reduces mobility in the region

The Spinal Cord

The spinal cord ends at L2, but the outer coverings (meninges) continue and are filled with spinal fluid
Lumbar puncture/spinal tap, as well as Saddle Block (anesthesia for childbirth) can be done between L3-L4 and L4-L5 to avoid damaging the spinal cord since the spinal cord ends at L2

Sacrum

The sacrum consists of five fused vertebrae and articulates with L5
The coccyx, which is inferior to the sacrum, consists of 3 to 5 fused vertebrae, and is a vestige of a tail
The medial sacral crest is made up of fused spinous processes
The alae (wings) are fused transverse processes that articulate with the pelvic girdle
The sacral foramina allow blood vessels and nerves to pass at the ridges of fusion
The sacral canal holds the rest of the spinal coverings which enter the coccyx at the Sacral Hiatus
The sacral promontory is the antero-border of S1, and is a landmark for obstetricians

The Bony Thorax

The Bony Thorax, also known as the thoracic cage is made up of the ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae
The sternum or breastbone is a flat bone comprised of the fusion of three bones; the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process
The manubrium is a triangular bone that articulates with the clavicles
The body makes up the majority of the sternum
The xiphoid process is the most inferior bone, and if projected dorsally when struck can cause trama to the heart or liver
The Jugular notch is the concave upper border of the manubrium
The Sternal angle is where the manubrium and the body meet
The Xiphisternal joint is where the body and the xiphoid process meet
The Clavicular Notches are sites of articulation with the Clavicles
The ribs consist of twelve pairs, forming the walls of the thoracic cage
The first seven pairs (1-7) attach directly to the sternum and vertebral column, and are called Vertebrosternal
Pairs 8-10 are called Vertebrochondral or False ribs, and are attached indirectly to the sternum by cartilage
Pairs 11 and 12, are called Floating or Vertebral ribs, are not attached to the sternum

The Fetal Skeleton

Fontanels are indentations found between the bones of the fetal skull, which are fibrous membranes and ossify by 20-22 months after birth
Fontanels allow for compression during birth and allow for growth of the brain
The four fontanels are: the anterior, the posterior, the sphenoid, and the mastoid

Skull Depressions and Projections Summary

The supraorbital foramens (notch) are openings above the orbit that allow blood vessels and nerves to pass
The coronal suture is the point of articulation of the frontal and parietal bones
The sagittal suture is the point of articulation of parietal bones
The squamous suture is the point of articulation of the temporal and parietal bones
The zygomatic process of the temporal bone forms the cheekbone
The stylomastoid foramen of the temporal bone is the passage for CN VII (7)
The jugular foramen of the temporal bone is the passage for the internal jugular vein, CN IX, X, XI (9, 10, 11)
The carotid canal of the temporal bone is the passage of the internal carotid artery
The mandibular fossa of the temporal bone is a rounded depression that articulates with the mandible
The styloid process of the temporal bone is an attachment site for muscles and ligaments of the neck
The mastoid process of the temporal bone is an attachment site for muscles
The external acoustic canal of the temporal bone is the passage for sounds to the middle ear
The internal acoustic canal of the temporal bone is the passage of CN VII and VIII (7, 8)
The foramen lacerum of the temporal bone is the passage of the internal carotid artery
The lambdoid suture is the point of articulation of the occipital and parietal bones
The foramen magnum of the occipital bone is where the spinal cord passes
The hypoglossal canal of the occipital bone is the passage of CN XII (12)
The occipital condyles of the occipital bone articulate with the C1 (Atlas)
The greater wings of the sphenoid bone are part of the eye orbit/socket
The superior orbital fissure of the sphenoid bone is the passage of CN III, IV, V, VI (3, 4, 5, 6)
The inferior orbital fissure of the sphenoid bone is the passage of the infraorbital blood vessels and CNV (5)
The hypophyseal fossa of the sphenoid bone houses the pituitary gland
The optic canal of the sphenoid bone is the passage of CN II (2), the Optic Nerve
The foramen rotundum and ovale of the sphenoid bone are passageways for CN V (5)
The foramen spinosum of the sphenoid bone is the passage of the middle meningeal artery
The lateral masses of the ethmoid bone are part of the eye orbit/socket
The crista gali of the ethmoid bone is the attachment site for the dura mater of the skull
The cribriform plates of the ethmoid bone hold the olfactory foramina, which allow for passage of CN I (1), the olfactory nerve
The horizontal plate of the ethmoid bone consists of the crista gali and the two cribriform plates
The perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone forms the superior nasal septum
The superior and inferior nasal conchae of the ethmoid bone are turbinates
The mandibular body of the mandible forms the chin
The mandibular condyle of the mandible articulates with the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone
The conoid process of the mandible is a site of muscle attachment
The mental foramen of the mandible is the passage for the mental blood vessels
The alveolar margin of the mandible is the location of inferior tooth sockets
The mandibular symphysis of the mandible is the site of mandibular fusion
The mandibular foramen of the mandible is the passage for CN V (5)
The alveolar margin of the maxillae contains the superior tooth sockets
The palatine processes of the maxillae form the anterior portion of the hard palate
The infraorbital foramen of the maxillae is the passage of the infraorbital blood vessels
The incisive fossa of the maxillae is the passage of the nasopalatine artery and blood vessels
The lacrimal fossa of the lacrimal bones is the passage for tears
The palatine bones form the posterior portion of the hard palate
The zygomatic bones form the cheekbones and part of the eye orbit/socket
The nasal bones are the small rectangular bones that form the bridge of the nose
The hyoid bone has no articulation with any other bones and is a muscle attachment site for muscles of the neck and tongue

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Description

Test your knowledge of the human skull anatomy with this quiz. It covers the structure and connections of key bones such as the maxillae, palatine, and zygomatic bones. Explore the significance of each bone in relation to facial features and functions.