Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the vertebral canal?
What is the primary function of the vertebral canal?
The coccyx consists of five vertebrae fused together.
The coccyx consists of five vertebrae fused together.
False
What is the vertebral body also known as?
What is the vertebral body also known as?
corpus vertebrae
The _____ process is a bony protrusion that extends posteriorly from a vertebra.
The _____ process is a bony protrusion that extends posteriorly from a vertebra.
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Which of the following is a feature specific to cervical vertebrae?
Which of the following is a feature specific to cervical vertebrae?
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The lumbar vertebrae have smaller bodies than thoracic vertebrae.
The lumbar vertebrae have smaller bodies than thoracic vertebrae.
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What is the clinical significance of the sacral hiatus?
What is the clinical significance of the sacral hiatus?
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True ribs are known as _____ ribs.
True ribs are known as _____ ribs.
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Match the following vertebral regions with their characteristics:
Match the following vertebral regions with their characteristics:
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Which part of the sternum is known for its notch for clavicle attachment?
Which part of the sternum is known for its notch for clavicle attachment?
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Which of the following terms refers to the joint where the head of the rib articulates?
Which of the following terms refers to the joint where the head of the rib articulates?
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The intercostal muscles are predominantly responsible for shoulder movement.
The intercostal muscles are predominantly responsible for shoulder movement.
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What is the primary muscle that forms the diaphragm?
What is the primary muscle that forms the diaphragm?
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The _____ ligament connects the vertebral bodies and limits movement between them.
The _____ ligament connects the vertebral bodies and limits movement between them.
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Match the following ligaments with their functions:
Match the following ligaments with their functions:
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Which of the following muscles is classified as a superficial back muscle?
Which of the following muscles is classified as a superficial back muscle?
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The thoracic cavity is bounded superiorly by the inferior thoracic aperture.
The thoracic cavity is bounded superiorly by the inferior thoracic aperture.
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Name the muscle that elevates the scapula.
Name the muscle that elevates the scapula.
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The intervertebral disc consists of two main parts: the annulus _____ and the nucleus _____ .
The intervertebral disc consists of two main parts: the annulus _____ and the nucleus _____ .
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Which of the following muscles is NOT part of the proper muscles of the thorax?
Which of the following muscles is NOT part of the proper muscles of the thorax?
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Study Notes
Vertebral Column & Vertebrae
- The vertebral column, also known as the spinal column, is a flexible, segmented structure composed of individual bones called vertebrae.
- It encloses and protects the spinal cord, a vital part of the central nervous system.
- The vertebral canal, a hollow space within the vertebrae, houses and protects the spinal cord.
General Vertebra Morphology
- Each vertebra consists of a vertebral body, the weight-bearing portion of the vertebrae.
- The vertebral arch, a bony ring that surrounds the vertebral foramen, is formed by the pedicles and laminae.
- The vertebral foramen houses the spinal cord.
- The intervertebral foramen, located between adjacent vertebrae, allows for the passage of nerves and blood vessels.
Specific Vertebrae
- Cervical vertebrae (C1 – C7), located in the neck region, are characterized by a small vertebral body and elongated spinous processes.
- The atlas (C1) is unique and lacks a vertebral body, articulating with the skull.
- The axis (C2) has a prominent projection called the dens, which allows for pivoting of the head.
- Thoracic vertebrae (T1 – T12), located in the chest region, have long spinous processes that point downwards and articulate with the ribs.
- Lumbar vertebrae (L1 – L5), located in the lower back region, have massive vertebral bodies and short, thick spinous processes that project posteriorly.
- Sacral vertebrae (S1 – S5) fuse to form the sacrum, a triangular bone that connects to the pelvic bones.
- Coccygeal vertebrae (Co1 – Co4) are small and rudimentary, forming the coccyx, commonly called the tailbone.
Ribs and Sternum
- Ribs (costae) are long, curved bones that form the thoracic cage.
- True ribs (costae verae) are directly connected to the sternum by costal cartilage.
- False ribs (costae spuriae) are connected to the sternum indirectly through cartilage.
- Floating ribs (costae fluctuantes) are not attached to the sternum.
- The sternum is a flat bone located in the anterior midline of the chest, consisting of the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.
Thoraic Cage
- The thoracic cage is formed by the ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae.
- It protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs.
- The superior thoracic aperture is the opening at the top of the thoracic cage.
- The inferior thoracic aperture is the opening at the bottom of the thoracic cage.
Joints of the Vertebral Column
- Atlanto-occipital joint: Allows for nodding movements of the head.
- Intervertebral discs: Provide cushioning and flexibility to the vertebral column.
- Costovertebral joints: Connect the ribs to the thoracic vertebrae.
- Sternocostal joints: Connect the ribs to the sternum.
Ligaments of the Vertebral Column
- Anterior longitudinal ligament: Runs along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies.
- Posterior longitudinal ligament: Runs along the posterior surface of the vertebral bodies.
- Ligamenta flava: Connect adjacent laminae.
- Supraspinous ligament: Runs along the tips of the spinous processes.
- Nuchal ligament: A thick ligament that extends from the occipital bone to the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae.
Muscles of the Back, Neck, and Thorax
- Back muscles: m.trapezius, m.latissimus dorsi, m.rhomboideus major, m.rhomboideus minor, m.serratus posterior inferior, m.serratus posterior superior, m.erector spinae, musculi transversospinales.
- Neck muscles: m.levator scapulae.
- Thorax muscles: m.pectoralis major, m.serratus anterior, mm.intercostales externi, mm.intercostales interni, diaphragma, m.rectus abdominis, m.obliquus externus abdominis, m.obliquus internus abdominis, m.transversus abdominis, m.quadratus lumborum, m.pectoralis minor, mm.levatores costarum, mm.intercostales intimi, membrana intercostalis externa, membrana intercostalis interna.
Diaphragm
- The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.
- It plays a crucial role in breathing.
- The diaphragm has three parts: pars lumbalis, pars costalis, and pars sternalis.
- The diaphragm has several openings that allow for the passage of structures: hiatus aorticus, hiatus oesophageus, and foramen venae cavae.
Abdominal Muscles
- Abdominal muscles: m.rectus abdominis, m.obliquus externus abdominis, m.obliquus internus abdominis, m.transversus abdominis.
- The rectus sheath (vagina musculi recti abdominis) encloses the rectus abdominis muscle.
- Linea alba is a fibrous line that extends from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis.
- Inguinal canal: A passage through the abdominal wall in the groin region.
- Anulus inguinalis superficialis is the superficial opening of the inguinal canal.
- Anulus inguinalis profundus is the deep opening of the inguinal canal.
- Anulus umbilicalis is the opening in the abdominal wall around the umbilicus.
Abdominal Regions
- The abdominal region is divided into nine regions:
- Regio hypochondriaca
- Regio epigastrica
- Regio lateralis
- Regio umbilicalis
- Regio inguinalis
- Regio pubica
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Description
Explore the structure and function of the vertebral column and individual vertebrae in this quiz. Learn about the different types of vertebrae, their morphology, and the vital role they play in protecting the spinal cord.
