The Vertebral Column: Structure and Function

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What is the main function of the vertebral column?

To provide mobility to the head

To provide a base of support for the head and internal organs (correct)

To attach muscles to the rib cage

To protect the rib cage

How many distinct vertebrae are there in the vertebral column?

30

24 (correct)

20

28

What is the number of nerve roots in the vertebral column?

36

20

31 (correct)

25

What type of curves have a posterior concavity?

Lordotic curves Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the vertebral column in relation to the trunk?

To link between the upper and the lower extremities Signup and view all the answers

How many intervertebral disks are in the vertebral column?

23 Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the vertebral column in relation to the spinal cord?

To protect the spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

How many fused vertebrae are in the vertebral column?

9 Signup and view all the answers

What type of force resists sliding between joint surfaces in the mid to lower cervical spine?

Shear force Signup and view all the answers

What is the phenomenon called when movement of the vertebral column in one plane is associated with an automatic movement in another plane?

Spinal coupling Signup and view all the answers

What is the number of independent movements allowed at a joint?

6 Signup and view all the answers

What is the ability of the vertebral column to resist an applied load?

Stability Signup and view all the answers

What type of stress is the vertebral column subjected to during normal functional activities?

Multiple types, including axial compression, tension, bending, torsion, and shear stress Signup and view all the answers

What factors affect the vertebral column's ability to resist applied loads?

Multiple factors, including age, posture, type of loading, and the condition and properties of structural elements Signup and view all the answers

What consists of two adjacent vertebrae and the intervening soft tissue?

Motion segment Signup and view all the answers

What is the association between axial rotation and lateral flexion?

A type of spinal coupling Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the nucleus pulposus during flexion?

It migrates posteriorly, away from neural tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of flexion on the intervertebral foramina?

It increases their size Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the load during flexion?

It is transferred from the apophyseal joints to the intervertebral discs Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of flexion on the posterior connective tissues?

It increases tension Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the anterior side of the annulus fibrosus during flexion?

It is compressed Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the nucleus pulposus during extension?

It migrates anteriorly, toward neural tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of extension on the intervertebral foramina?

It decreases their size Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the load during extension?

It is transferred from the intervertebral discs to the apophyseal joints Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of extension on the posterior connective tissues?

It decreases tension Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the anterior side of the annulus fibrosus during extension?

It is stretched Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary curve of the thoracic region?

Kyphotic curve Signup and view all the answers

What type of system helps to resist shearing forces in the vertebral body?

Oblique trabecular system Signup and view all the answers

Where is the area of weakness located in the vertebral body?

Anterior portion of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the lamellae in the annulus fibrosus?

To keep the nucleus pulposus under constant pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the nucleus pulposus?

High concentration of fluid and proteoglycans Signup and view all the answers

What type of curve is the cervical curve?

Lordotic curve Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the vertical trabecular system?

To resist compression forces Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of the collagen fibers in adjacent rings of the annulus fibrosus?

Opposite directions Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the apophyseal joint?

To guide intervertebral motion Signup and view all the answers

What type of movement is described by the term 'lateral flexion'?

Side bending to the right or left Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the movement of the spine as a whole?

Osteokinematics Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the interbody joint?

To serve as a deformable intervertebral spacer Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the movement of individual joints in the spine?

Arthrokinematics Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the movement of multiple joints in the spine working together?

Coupled movements Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the ligament that runs along the front of the spine?

Anterior longitudinal ligament Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the movement of a joint surface in a linear or curvilinear direction?

Sliding or gliding Signup and view all the answers