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Questions and Answers
Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the atlas (C1) vertebra?
What is the primary purpose of intervertebral discs in the vertebral column?
Which statement correctly distinguishes the features of lumbar vertebrae?
What characterizes the thoracic vertebrae compared to cervical vertebrae?
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Which vertebra allows for the rotation of the head and is also known as the pivot point?
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Which feature is characteristic of lumbar vertebrae?
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What condition results from impairments in two limbs?
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Which statement accurately describes the cross-sectional structure of the spinal cord?
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Which group of muscles is classified in the deep intrinsic layer of the spine?
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What is the function of spinal flexors such as Longus capitis and Longus colli?
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Which vertebral feature differentiates thoracic vertebrae from lumbar vertebrae?
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What happens to the amount of white matter as you move from the cervical region to the caudal end of the spinal cord?
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Which structure of the spinal cord contains anterior and posterior horns?
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Study Notes
Vertebral Column
- The vertebral column is comprised of 26 bones, supporting the skull and transferring weight to the lower limbs.
- It's crucial for posture and protecting the spinal cord.
- The vertebral column is made of 33 vertebrae: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 1 sacrum (5 fused) and 1 coccyx (0-4 fused).
- Cervical vertebrae 1 (atlas) and 2 (axis) have specialized functions for head movement: atlas articulates with the skull for nodding, and axis allows for head rotation.
Intervertebral Discs
- These fibrous cartilage discs act as symphysis joints between vertebral bodies.
- They allow for limited spinal movement, absorb shock, and transmit load.
- Disc bulge and herniation are common issues.
Vertebrae Features
- Cervical vertebrae: Small oval bodies, large triangular foramens, long bifid spinous processes, transverse foramens. Key function: support skull, protect spinal cord, enable controlled head movement.
- Thoracic vertebrae: Medium heart-shaped bodies, smaller round foramens, long slender spinous processes, facets for ribs on all but two (T11-T12). Key function: support head, neck, and upper limbs, articulate with ribs.
- Lumbar vertebrae: Massive kidney-shaped bodies, smallest triangular foramens, blunt and broad spinous processes pointing posteriorly, short transverse processes. Key function: support weight of the torso.
Spinal Cord
- Part of the central nervous system (CNS), continuous with the brainstem.
- Terminates at vertebral level L1-L2 (conus medullaris), with two major enlargements (cervical and lumbosacral) for upper and lower limbs.
- Segmented structure, with white matter containing ascending/descending myelinated fiber tracts, and gray matter comprising nerve cell bodies (anterior and posterior horns).
- Contains a central canal continuous with the ventricular system.
Features of Spinal Cord in Cross Section
- Cervical and Lumbar levels possess more gray matter due to innervation of limbs.
- White matter decreases in amount rostrally to caudally, reflecting decreasing complexity of innervation.
Spinal Nerves
- Formed by the combination of posterior (sensory) and anterior (motor) roots.
- Posterior roots carry sensory information to the spinal cord (afferent).
- Anterior roots convey motor commands from the spinal cord (efferent).
Intrinsic Back Muscles
- Three layers contribute to back muscle function:
- Deep Intrinsic Layer: Transversospinales group (semispinalis, multifidus, rotatores, interspinales, intertransversarii).
- Intermediate Intrinsic Layer: Erector spinae group (spinalis, longissimus, iliocostalis).
- Superficial Intrinsic Layer: Splenius muscles (splenius capitis, splenius cervicis).
Spinal Flexors
- Longus capitis and longus colli: Unilaterally rotate or bilaterally flex the neck.
- Quadratus lumborum: Flexes the vertebral column laterally.
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Description
Explore the intricate structure of the vertebral column, which consists of 26 bones crucial for supporting the skull and protecting the spinal cord. This quiz covers the types of vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and specific features of cervical and thoracic vertebrae.
