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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the atlas (C1) in the cervical spine?
Which structures does the cervical spine consist of?
What type of stress is generated in the intervertebral discs during spinal rotation?
Which injury is NOT commonly associated with the cervical spine?
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Which part of the cervical vertebral column is associated with the suboccipital region?
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What characteristic feature of the atlas allows the skull to rest securely on it?
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How do the articular surfaces of the atlas (C1) generally orient?
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What type of fracture is specifically mentioned as occurring in the vertebral neural arch?
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What is the total number of vertebrae in the human vertebral column?
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Which regions make up the vertebral column?
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What is a motion segment in the spine?
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What type of joints are found between adjacent vertebrae?
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What is the primary function of the facet joints in the spine?
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Which ligament primarily prevents excessive flexion in the spine?
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How many vertebrae does the cervical region contain?
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What is the role of the intervertebral discs?
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What is the primary movement of the superior vertebral body in relation to the uncinate processes?
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Which ligament is NOT associated with the craniovertebral joints?
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What characterizes the normal kyphotic curve of the thoracic spine?
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How does the structural stability of the thoracic spine compare to that of the cervical and lumbar regions?
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What is the diameter of the upper thoracic vertebrae larger in?
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Study Notes
Vertebral Column
- Curved stack of 33 vertebrae
- Five regions
- Cervical (7 vertebrae)
- Thoracic (12 vertebrae)
- Lumbar (5 vertebrae)
- Sacrum (5 fused vertebrae)
- Coccyx (4 fused vertebrae)
Motion Segment
- Two adjacent vertebrae and associated soft tissues
- Considered the functional unit of the spine
Joints Between Vertebrae
- Intervertebral Symphysis Joints: anterior side
- Gliding Diarthrodial Facet Joints: posterior side
Function of Facet Joints
- Channel and limit the range of motion in different spine regions
- Assist in load bearing: sustain up to 30% of compressive load on spine, particularly during hyperextension
Intervertebral Discs
- Cushion between vertebrae
- Allow for movement and flexibility
- Act as shock absorbers
Cervical Spine
- Consists of seven vertebrae
- Two distinct units: craniovertebral/suboccipital (atlas and axis) and lower cervical (C3-C7)
Atlas (C1)
- Between skull and lower cervical spine
- Functions:
- Cradle the occiput and transmit forces from the head to the cervical spine
- Adapted for attachment of ligaments and muscles
- Contains kidney-shaped articular facets for the occiput, forming a ring by anterior and posterior arches
Axis (C2)
- Superior vertebral body can rock side to side within the concavity of the uncinate processes
- Pivoting occurs about the anterior annulus fibrosus while facets slide freely upon one another
Ligaments of the Craniovertebral Joints
- Transverse ligament
- Alar ligaments
- Membrana tectoria
- Atlanto occipital and atlantoaxial membranes
- Apical ligament
Ligaments of the Lower Cervical Joint
- Longitudinal ligaments
- Ligamentum flavum
- Ligamentum nuchae
Structure of the Thoracic Vertebrae
- Longest segment (12 separate vertebrae)
- Upper thoracic spine: 1st - 4th thoracic vertebrae (inferior surface larger than superior surface)
- Diameter: slightly larger in an anterior-posterior direction than in a medial-lateral direction
Thoracic Spine Characteristics
- Wedge-shaped: normal kyphotic curve of the thoracic spine (posterior convexity)
- Thicker posteriorly than anteriorly
- Normal kyphosis and wedging of vertebrae are important for handling large loads applied to the thoracic vertebrae bodies
Thoracic Spine vs Other Regions
- Costal facets articulate with ribs
- More structural stability but less flexibility than cervical and lumbar regions
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Description
Test your knowledge on the vertebral column, including its regions, motion segments, and joints between vertebrae. This quiz covers the structure and function of the spine, including the significance of intervertebral discs and facet joints. Perfect for students studying anatomy or related fields.
