42 Questions
What is the primary function of the epaxial muscle systems?
To extend the vertebral column
Which of the following vertebral groups can be distinguished by its unique characteristics?
Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar
What is the primary function of the hypaxial muscles?
To move the limbs
What is the name of the joint that connects the atlas (C1) to the occipital bone?
Atlanto-occipital joint
Which of the following vertebrae has a unique characteristic?
All of the above
What is the name of the space that contains the cervical viscera?
Cervical visceral space
What is the function of the ligaments that support the vertebral column?
To stabilize the vertebral column
Which of the following is NOT a function of the epaxial muscles?
Flexion of the vertebral column
What is the name of the bone that connects the thoracic vertebrae to the ribs?
Sternum
What is the characteristic of the thirteenth rib?
It is a floating rib
What is the term for the junction between the bony and cartilaginous parts of a rib?
Costochondral junction
How many pairs of ribs do horses have?
18
What is the part of the sternum that is an easily palpable landmark?
Xiphoid process
What is the joint responsible for 'Yes' head movement?
Atlanto-occipital joint
What is the term for the spaces between the ribs?
Intercostal spaces
What is the characteristic of the first nine pairs of ribs?
They articulate directly with the sternum
What is the name of the bony prominence on the axis?
Dens
What is the sternebra that forms the upper part of the sternum?
Manubrium
What is the primary function of the transverse ligament of the atlas?
To prevent the dens from projecting dorsally
What is the outer part of the intervertebral disc composed of?
Annulus fibrosus
What type of joints are formed between the articular processes of the vertebrae?
Synovial joints
Which ligament connects the apices of all spinous processes?
Supraspinous ligament
What is the cranial continuation of the supraspinous ligament?
Nuchal ligament
What is the inner part of the intervertebral disc composed of?
Nucleus pulposus
What is the function of the apical and alar ligaments of the dens?
To stabilize the dens within the fovea dentis
Where does the nuchal ligament extend to in the large animal?
The nuchal crest of the occipital bone of the skull
What is the location of the transverse ligament of the atlas?
Internal wall of the vertebral foramen of the atlas
What is the plural term for 'vertebra'?
Vertebrae
Which of the following bones are NOT part of the axial skeleton?
Bones of the upper limb
What is the vertebral formula for the dog and cat?
C7 T13 L7 S3 Cd ~20
What is the function of the vertebral arch?
To protect the spinal cord
What is the cranial articular surface of a vertebral body?
Convex
What forms the floor of the vertebral foramen?
Dorsal aspect of the vertebral body
What is the term for the resultant alignment of the vertebral foramina when the vertebrae are articulated?
Vertebral canal
Which of the following is NOT a component of the vertebral arch?
Vertebral body
What is the vertebral formula for the horse?
C7 T18 L6 S5 Cd ~20
Match the correct vertebral formula to the correct species
Horse = C7-T18-L6-S5-Cd 20 Bovine = C7-T13-L6-S5- Cd 20 Dog = C7-T13-L7-S3- Cd 20 Cat = C7-T13-L7-S3- Cd 20
Adjacent vertebral bodies, with the exception of ___ and ____, are connected via intervertebral discs
C1 , C2
The caudal articular surface of the vertebral body is convex
False
The vertebral arch consists of right and left _________. Select all that apply.
Pedicles
Which cervical vertebra does NOT have a spinous process, but does posses a dorsal tubercle?
C1
Choose the correct statement.
Cranial to the anticlinal vertebra, the spines incline caudally; and caudal to the anticlinal vertebra, the spines incline cranially
Study Notes
Axial Musculoskeletal Structures and Body Wall
Bones and Joints of the Axial Skeleton
- Axial skeleton: skeletal elements located along the axis of the body, includes bones of the skull, vertebral column, and thorax (sternum and ribs)
- Vertebral formula:
- Dog and cat: C7 T13 L7 S3 Cd ~20
- Horse: C7 T18 L6 S5 Cd ~20
- Ox: C7 T13 L6 S5 Cd ~20
Typical Features of Vertebrae
- Vertebral body:
- Cranial articular surface is convex
- Caudal articular surface is concave
- Adjacent vertebral bodies, except C1 and C2, are connected via intervertebral discs
- Vertebral arch:
- Arches dorsally from the vertebral body to cover the spinal cord and create the vertebral foramen
- Consists of right and left pedicles (lateral walls of the vertebral foramen) and laminae (roof of the vertebral foramen)
Ribs and Sternum
- Ribs:
- Dogs, cats, and ox have 13 pairs of ribs; horses have 18 pairs
- Each rib has a head, neck, tubercle, and body
- The bony part of a rib has a costochondral junction, where the cartilaginous part (costal cartilage) extends ventrally and articulates with the sternum
- Sternum:
- Comprised of eight sternebrae joined by cartilages
- Manubrium (first sternebra) and xiphoid process (last sternebra) are easily palpable landmarks
Joints and Ligaments of the Vertebral Column
- Atlanto-occipital joint:
- Between the occipital bone of the skull and the atlas
- Responsible for "Yes" head movement
- Atlantoaxial joint:
- Between the atlas and axis
- Fovea dentis of the atlas and dens of the axis are involved in this joint
- Transverse ligament of the atlas:
- Attaches to the internal wall of the vertebral foramen of the atlas on both sides
- Passes dorsal to the dens and stabilizes it within the fovea dentis
- Apical and alar ligaments of the dens:
- Support the dens within the fovea dentis
- Intervertebral discs:
- Between bodies of adjacent vertebrae
- Composed of an annulus fibrosus (outer circumferential collagenous fibers) and a nucleus pulposus (inner gelatinous core)
Ligaments of the Vertebral Column and Ribs
- Supraspinous ligament:
- Connects the apices of all spinous processes from T1 to the caudal vertebrae
- Nuchal ligament:
- Cranial continuation of the supraspinous ligament
- Extends from the spinous process of thoracic vertebra 1 (T1) to the caudal aspect of the spine of the axis (C2) in the dog
- In large animals, extends to the nuchal crest of the occipital bone of the skull
Epaxial and Hypaxial Musculature
- Epaxial muscles:
- Three systems: splenius, semispinalis capitis, and transversospinalis
- Action: flex or extend the vertebral column
- Location: medial, intermediate, and lateral regions along the vertebral column
- Hypaxial muscles:
- Location: ventral to the vertebral bodies and vertebral transverse processes
- Action: compare size, location, and actions to epaxial muscles
This quiz covers the axial skeleton, bones, and joints of the vertebral column, thorax, and skull in animals. Learn about the vertebral formula, typical features of vertebrae, and more.
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