Vertebrae Anatomy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary characteristic of lumbar vertebrae distinct from those in other regions of the spine?

They have more articulating processes than thoracic vertebrae.

Their spinous processes are oriented laterally.

They have shorter transverse processes than cervical vertebrae.

They possess larger bodies designed to bear more weight. (correct)

Which ligament primarily provides support in preventing excessive forward displacement of the vertebrae?

Supraspinous ligament

Interspinous ligament

Anterior longitudinal ligament (correct)

Ligamentum flavum

What is the primary function of the facet joints in the vertebral column?

To permit rotational movement between vertebrae (correct)

To provide vertical support to the spine

To house the spinal cord safely within the vertebrae

To allow for the attachment of spinal nerves

What variation might be observed in the lumbar region compared to other spinal regions?

Less mobility compared to cervical vertebrae Signup and view all the answers

Which type of movement is primarily allowed in the thoracic region of the spine compared to the lumbar region?

Rotation due to the orientation of facet joints Signup and view all the answers

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

To facilitate gliding movements and stability during rotation. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic differentiates lumbar vertebrae from cervical vertebrae?

Lumbar vertebrae support more weight due to their larger size. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the alar ligament in the cervical spine?

To stabilize and restrict excessive rotation at the atlanto-axial joint. Signup and view all the answers

Which movement has the greatest range of motion in the cervical spine?

Flexion. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference in the structure of cervical vertebrae compared to thoracic vertebrae?

Cervical vertebrae have transverse foramina for blood vessels. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the lumbar vertebrae compared to other regions of the spine?

Absence of transverse foramen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the intra-articular ligaments in the costovertebral joints?

Aid in the alignment of the rib and vertebrae Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the orientation of facet joints in the lumbar region?

Oriented favorably for flexion and extension Signup and view all the answers

What variation of vertebrae is referred to as a 'caudal shift'?

12th rib increased in size with a small lumbar rib Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range of motion for lumbar flexion?

50 degrees Signup and view all the answers

In the thoracic spine, how does the orientation of the facets affect motion as one moves lower?

Decreases certain intervertebral motions Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum range of motion for rotation in the lumbar region?

5 degrees Signup and view all the answers

Which ligaments provide support at the costotransverse joints?

Costotransverse and lateral costal ligaments Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vertebrae

The body of a vertebrae supports the weight of the body
The vertebral arch protects the spinal cord
The vertebral foramen houses the spinal cord
Intervertebral foramina houses spinal nerves and vessels

Vertebral Arch

Composed of two lamina and two pedicles
Vertebral notches form the intervertebral foramen
The arch has 7 projections:
- Two transverse processes
- One spinous process
- Two superior articulating processes
- Two inferior articulating processes
The articulating processes form a small synovial joint

Cervical Vertebrae

CV1 (Atlas)
- Has no body
- Articulates with the occiput
- Has no true spinous process
- Has lateral masses
- Movements:
  - Flexion/extension 15'
  - Sidebending 5'
  - Rotation 0'
  - Movement is primarily gliding or chin tuck
CV2 (Axis)
- Distinguished by the dens, held in place by the alar ligament and transverse ligament
- Has a body
- Transverse processes are small and bifid
- Movements
  - Rotation 40-45'
  - Flexion/Extension 5' Flex/10' Extension
  - Sidebending 0'
  - Rotation is greatest due to the horizontally directed articulating processes between CV1 and CV2.

Thoracic Vertebrae

TV1:
- Complete facet on the superior aspect of the body to articulate with the whole head of rib 1
- Demifacet inferiorly to articulate with rib 2
TV9:
- Often has no inferior demifacet to articulate with rib 10
TV10, 11, 12:
- Articulates with their own respective ribs
Has costal facets that articulate with the ribs
Orientation allows for sidebending movements.
Ribs restrict motion.
ROM:
- Flexion 30-40'
- Extension 20-25'
- Rotation 30'
- Sidebending 25'

Costovertebral Joint

Articulation between the head of the rib with facets on the body of the vertebrae and with the intervertebral disc between them.
It is a synovial joint.
Ligaments:
- Radiate
- Intra-articular

Costotransverse Joint

Synovial articulation between the tubercle of the rib and transverse process of the vertebrae
Ligaments
- Costotransverse
- Superior and lateral costotransverse

Lumbar Vertebrae

5 in number
Characterized by:
- Greater body size
- Absence of costal facets
- Absence of transverse foramina
Body is wider laterally than anteroposteriorly
Spinous process is almost horizontal and quadrangular in shape
Superior articulating process face medially and posteriorly
Inferior articulating process face laterally and anteriorly
Facets are saddle-like and oriented in a sagittal plane favoring flexion and extension
Transverse processes are thin and long.
LV5:
- Distinguished by a massive transverse process with a large body and small spinous process
Mamillary process:
- Located on the superior articulating process, providing attachment for multifidi muscles
Accessory process:
- For muscle attachment
Gross AROM:
- 50' Flexion/15' Extension
- 20' Sidebending (unilateral)
- 5' Rotation (unilateral)

Variations in Vertebrae

Cranial shift:
- 13 ribs, including a cervical rib articulating with vertebra C7 and a diminished 12th rib articulating with vertebra T12.
Caudal shift:
- 12th rib is increased in size, and there is a small lumbar rib.

Ligamentous support:

The ligaments support the spine, provide stability and prevent excessive movement.

Cauda Equina

The spinal cord ends around LV1,2.
The nerves below this level extend as the cauda equina.
The cauda equina nerves are responsible for innervating the lower limbs and pelvis.

Thoracic Vertebrae vs. Cervical Vertebrae

The main difference is the presence of costal facets on thoracic vertebrae.
These facets allow for articulation with the ribs, which are absent in cervical vertebrae.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the structure and function of vertebrae. This quiz covers key concepts related to the vertebral arch, cervical vertebrae, and their movements. Ideal for students studying anatomy or related fields.