Anatomy 2 MCQ PDF

**Lecture 2 -- 44 MCQs** 1\. Which of the following evolutionary adaptations distinguishes mammalian vertebral columns from those of reptiles? A. Presence of a sacrum for weight-bearing in reptiles B. Greater flexibility of the lumbar spine to facilitate lateral undulation C. Rotation of limbs u...

**Lecture 2 -- 44 MCQs** 1\. Which of the following evolutionary adaptations distinguishes mammalian vertebral columns from those of reptiles? A. Presence of a sacrum for weight-bearing in reptiles B. Greater flexibility of the lumbar spine to facilitate lateral undulation C. Rotation of limbs under the body, limiting lateral undulation in mammals D. Cervical vertebrae specialising for propulsion in aquatic mammals E. Increased number of thoracic vertebrae in mammals compared to reptiles Answer: C. Explanation: Mammals evolved with limbs rotated under the body, reducing lateral undulation and transferring this function to the hips. 2\. How do thoracic vertebrae in humans differ in their contribution to movement compared to cervical and lumbar vertebrae? A. They have the greatest range of flexion and extension. B. They primarily permit rotation, constrained by the ribcage. C. They facilitate coupled movements of lateral flexion and rotation. D. They lack any inter-facet angle, limiting movement. E. They allow hyperextension due to tangential facet orientation. Answer: B. Explanation: Thoracic vertebrae permit rotation but are constrained in lateral flexion and flexion-extension by the ribs. 3\. Which binary characteristic is used to definitively identify cervical vertebrae? A. Presence of facets for ribs B. Fused vertebrae C. Transverse foramina D. Absence of transverse processes E. Presence of zygapophyseal joints Answer: C. Explanation: Transverse foramina are a binary feature unique to cervical vertebrae. 4\. A patient presents with lateral flexion deficiency in the lumbar spine. Which structural feature of lumbar vertebrae contributes to this deficiency? A. Tangentially oriented facets B. Radially oriented inter-facet joints C. Lack of transverse foramina D. Ribs restricting motion E. Absence of a nucleus pulposus Answer: B. Explanation: Lumbar vertebrae have radially oriented inter-facet joints, which interlock laterally to allow flexion and extension but limit lateral flexion and rotation. 5\. Which of the following features is NOT region-specific but instead varies continuously along the vertebral column? A. Shape of the vertebral body B. Orientation of articular facets C. Presence of transverse foramina D. Rib facets E. Fusion of sacral vertebrae Answer: A. Explanation: The shape of the vertebral body varies continuously and is not exclusive to any one region, while features like transverse foramina and rib facets are region-specific. 6\. What functional adaptation explains the limited ability of lumbar vertebrae to rotate? A. Presence of intervertebral discs B. Radial orientation of the inter-facet joints C. Lack of a sacrum in the lumbar region D. High tensile strength of the annulus fibrosus E. Presence of transverse foramina Answer: B. Explanation: The radial orientation of lumbar inter-facet joints prevents rotation while allowing flexion and extension. 7\. The anterior component of a vertebral motion segment primarily consists of: A. Zygapophyseal joints and their associated ligaments B. Vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs C. Pedicles and laminae D. Transverse processes and spinous processes E. Articular cartilage and capsular ligaments Answer: B. Explanation: The anterior component includes the vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, and associated longitudinal ligaments, which bear the majority of the load. 8\. Which component of the intervertebral disc is responsible for transmitting compressive loads? A. Annular apophysis B. Cartilage endplate C. Nucleus pulposus D. Outer annulus fibrosus E. Zygapophyseal joints Answer: C. Explanation: The nucleus pulposus transmits compressive loads by dispersing pressure within its hydrophilic, gel-like structure. 9\. During flexion of the cervical spine, which coupled movement typically occurs? A. Rotation around the nucleus pulposus B. Posterior displacement of adjacent vertebrae C. Lateral flexion in the same direction as rotation D. Axial rotation combined with lateral flexion E. Pure anterior-posterior flexion without displacement Answer: D. Explanation: Coupled movements, such as axial rotation with lateral flexion, are common in the cervical spine due to its oblique disc-facet angle. 10\. Which movement is primarily constrained by the zygapophyseal joints in the lumbar spine? A. Flexion-extension B. Axial rotation C. Lateral flexion D. Coupled movements E. Anterior translation Answer: B. Explanation: The orientation of lumbar zygapophyseal joints prevents significant axial rotation while allowing flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. 11\. Which evolutionary adaptation in amphibians contributed to the development of the sacrum in the vertebral column? A. Weight-bearing hindlimbs requiring force transduction B. Increased reliance on cervical vertebrae for head rotation C. Development of lateral undulation for aquatic propulsion D. Flattening of cervical vertebrae for streamlined movement E. Evolution of fused caudal vertebrae for tail propulsion Answer: A. Explanation: The sacrum evolved in amphibians to transmit forces from weight-bearing hindlimbs to the vertebral column. 12\. What is the primary function of the anterior component of the vertebral motion segment? A. Controlling direction of motion B. Transmitting compressive loads C. Facilitating axial rotation D. Allowing coupled movements E. Enhancing lateral flexion Answer: B. Explanation: The anterior component, consisting of vertebral bodies, longitudinal ligaments, and intervertebral discs, transmits approximately 80% of compressive loads. 13\. What structural feature allows thoracic vertebrae to facilitate rotation but limits lateral flexion? A. Orientation of zygapophyseal joints on the arc of a circle B. Radial alignment of inter-facet joints C. Presence of transverse foramina D. Increased thickness of the annulus fibrosus E. Flattened spinous processes Answer: A. Explanation: Thoracic zygapophyseal joints are tangentially aligned, allowing rotation while ribs restrict lateral flexion. 14\. Which binary feature is critical for identifying a vertebra as belonging to the thoracic region? A. Absence of transverse processes B. Presence of costal facets for rib articulation C. Fusion of vertebral bodies D. Flattened vertebral foramen E. Orientation of zygapophyseal joints Answer: B. Explanation: The presence of costal facets is unique to thoracic vertebrae and is used as a binary characteristic for identification. 15\. Why does the lumbar spine have limited rotational capacity compared to other vertebral regions? A. Lack of intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine B. Radial orientation of inter-facet joints interlocks vertebrae laterally C. Absence of zygapophyseal joints in the lumbar region D. Hyaline cartilage endplates restrict axial motion E. Reduced size of the nucleus pulposus in lumbar intervertebral discs Answer: B. Explanation: The radial orientation of lumbar inter-facet joints restricts rotation while allowing flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. 16\. How do intervertebral discs contribute to the overall height of the vertebral column? A. Annular fibres compress during axial rotation, increasing disc thickness. B. The hydrophilic nucleus pulposus retains water, contributing to height. C. Cartilage endplates ossify, adding height to vertebral bodies. D. Annular apophysis fuses to the vertebral body, elongating the spine. E. Zygapophyseal joints prevent height loss by stabilising motion. Answer: B. Explanation: The nucleus pulposus retains water, maintaining disc height and contributing to vertebral column height, especially in the morning. 17\. Which structural feature differentiates cervical vertebrae from all other vertebral regions? A. Presence of spinous processes B. Zygapophyseal joint orientation C. Transverse foramina for vertebral artery passage D. Larger vertebral body size E. Lack of annular apophysis Answer: C. Explanation: Transverse foramina are a unique binary feature of cervical vertebrae. 18\. What is the role of the annulus fibrosus in intervertebral discs? A. Facilitating lateral flexion by distributing loads B. Enclosing and containing the nucleus pulposus under pressure C. Allowing coupled movements of rotation and flexion D. Absorbing compressive forces directly E. Forming cartilage endplates to support vertebral bodies Answer: B. Explanation: The annulus fibrosus encloses the nucleus pulposus, maintaining disc integrity and containing pressure. 19\. Which movement pattern in the cervical spine results from the oblique (\~45°) disc-facet angle? A. Pure axial rotation B. Translation combined with lateral flexion C. Rotation pivoting around the nucleus pulposus D. Flexion without displacement E. Pure lateral flexion Answer: B. Explanation: The oblique angle in cervical vertebrae facilitates translation combined with lateral flexion during movement. 20\. What characteristic of zygapophyseal joints limits thoracic extension? A. Flattened vertebral foramen B. Tangential alignment of facet joints C. Orientation of facets on the arc of a circle D. Presence of ribs restricting thoracic mobility E. Radial alignment of inter-facet joints Answer: D. Explanation: Ribs and the associated costal structure limit thoracic extension despite tangential facet alignment. 21\. Which evolutionary factor is most responsible for the reduction in cervical vertebrae mobility in aquatic mammals like whales? A. Flattening of transverse processes B. Fusion of cervical vertebrae into a rigid structure C. Loss of zygapophyseal joint articulation D. Increased size of intervertebral discs E. Elongation of the nucleus pulposus Answer: B. Explanation: In aquatic mammals, cervical vertebrae are often fused, reducing mobility and aiding streamlined movement. 22\. What is the primary consequence of degeneration of the nucleus pulposus with age? A. Increased axial rotation capacity B. Reduction in vertebral height and disc resilience C. Formation of additional transverse foramina D. Fusion of annulus fibrosus with the cartilage endplate E. Enhanced water retention by the intervertebral discs Answer: B. Explanation: Degeneration of the nucleus pulposus reduces water content, leading to reduced vertebral height and decreased disc resilience. 23\. Which component of the motion segment is primarily responsible for controlling the direction of spinal motion? A. Intervertebral discs B. Anterior longitudinal ligament C. Zygapophyseal joints D. Cartilage endplate E. Spinous processes Answer: C. Explanation: Zygapophyseal joints constrain and control the direction of spinal motion. 24\. How does rib structure influence thoracic vertebral movements? A. It enhances lateral flexion capacity by supporting the transverse processes. B. It restricts rotation by increasing stiffness at zygapophyseal joints. C. It limits flexion and extension by constraining rib cage mobility. D. It facilitates pure axial motion in the thoracic region. E. It reduces the tensile strength of the annulus fibrosus. Answer: C. Explanation: The rib cage restricts flexion and extension, limiting thoracic vertebral movement. 25\. Which feature defines lumbar vertebrae when binary differences are considered? A. Absence of costal facets and transverse foramina B. Presence of rib attachments C. Fused vertebrae forming the sacrum D. Radial alignment of the zygapophyseal joints E. Presence of the annular apophysis Answer: A. Explanation: Lumbar vertebrae lack costal facets and transverse foramina, distinguishing them from other regions. Here is the properly formatted response, adhering strictly to your instructions: 26\. Which evolutionary adaptation in amphibians contributed to the development of the sacrum in the vertebral column? A. Weight-bearing hindlimbs requiring force transduction B. Increased reliance on cervical vertebrae for head rotation C. Development of lateral undulation for aquatic propulsion D. Flattening of cervical vertebrae for streamlined movement E. Evolution of fused caudal vertebrae for tail propulsion Answer: A. Explanation: The sacrum evolved in amphibians to transmit forces from weight-bearing hindlimbs to the vertebral column. 27\. Which of the following statements about cervical vertebrae is NOT correct? A. They possess transverse foramina for the passage of vertebral arteries. B. Their zygapophyseal joints are oriented obliquely at \~45 degrees. C. The nucleus pulposus of cervical intervertebral discs pivots movement. D. Coupled movements of lateral flexion and rotation occur in the cervical region. E. Cervical vertebrae allow a greater range of motion compared to lumbar vertebrae. Answer: C. Explanation: In the cervical region, the movement centre is not around the nucleus pulposus but the vertebra below, allowing complex coupled movements. 28\. A 45-year-old office worker presents with back pain that worsens with prolonged sitting and bending forward. MRI reveals a bulging disc pressing on the posterior longitudinal ligament. Which vertebral region is most likely affected, and why? A. Cervical, due to high disc-facet obliquity B. Thoracic, because rib attachments weaken disc structure C. Lumbar, due to increased compressive loads and motion demands D. Sacral, because of fusion defects E. Cervical, due to translation during motion Answer: C. Explanation: Lumbar intervertebral discs bear significant compressive loads and motion, making them prone to bulging and herniation. 29\. Which is MOST correct regarding lumbar spine movement? A. The lumbar spine allows pure rotation due to its zygapophyseal joint alignment. B. The lumbar spine is highly flexible in extension but limited in flexion. C. Radially oriented inter-facet joints restrict rotation but allow flexion and extension. D. Coupled movements in the lumbar spine result from its intervertebral disc structure. E. Lateral flexion is the primary movement allowed by lumbar vertebrae. Answer: C. Explanation: The radial orientation of lumbar zygapophyseal joints allows flexion and extension while restricting rotation. 30\. What structural feature allows thoracic vertebrae to facilitate rotation but limits lateral flexion? A. Orientation of zygapophyseal joints on the arc of a circle B. Radial alignment of inter-facet joints C. Presence of transverse foramina D. Increased thickness of the annulus fibrosus E. Flattened spinous processes Answer: A. Explanation: Thoracic zygapophyseal joints are tangentially aligned, allowing rotation while ribs restrict lateral flexion. 31\. Why does the lumbar spine have limited rotational capacity compared to other vertebral regions? A. Lack of intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine B. Radial orientation of inter-facet joints interlocks vertebrae laterally C. Absence of zygapophyseal joints in the lumbar region D. Hyaline cartilage endplates restrict axial motion E. Reduced size of the nucleus pulposus in lumbar intervertebral discs Answer: B. Explanation: The radial orientation of lumbar inter-facet joints restricts rotation while allowing flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. 32\. A swimmer complains of reduced neck rotation and mild neck pain. Imaging reveals no cervical fusion or injury. Which cervical structure is most likely contributing to this limited range of motion? A. Annular apophysis ossification B. Flattened vertebral foramen C. Zygapophyseal joints with oblique disc-facet alignment D. Nucleus pulposus degeneration E. Transverse foramina compression Answer: C. Explanation: Oblique (\~45°) cervical zygapophyseal joints facilitate coupled movements like rotation and lateral flexion, which can become restricted. 33\. Which movement is primarily constrained by the zygapophyseal joints in the lumbar spine? A. Flexion-extension B. Axial rotation C. Lateral flexion D. Coupled movements E. Anterior translation Answer: B. Explanation: The orientation of lumbar zygapophyseal joints prevents significant axial rotation while allowing flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. 34\. Which binary feature is critical for identifying a vertebra as belonging to the thoracic region? A. Absence of transverse processes B. Presence of costal facets for rib articulation C. Fusion of vertebral bodies D. Flattened vertebral foramen E. Orientation of zygapophyseal joints Answer: B. Explanation: The presence of costal facets is unique to thoracic vertebrae and is used as a binary characteristic for identification. 35\. Which of the following features is NOT region-specific but instead varies continuously along the vertebral column? A. Shape of the vertebral body B. Orientation of articular facets C. Presence of transverse foramina D. Rib facets E. Fusion of sacral vertebrae Answer: A. Explanation: The shape of the vertebral body varies continuously and is not exclusive to any one region, while features like transverse foramina and rib facets are region-specific. 36\. Which of the following statements about cervical vertebrae is NOT correct? A. They possess transverse foramina for the passage of vertebral arteries. B. Their zygapophyseal joints are oriented obliquely at \~45 degrees. C. The nucleus pulposus of cervical intervertebral discs pivots movement. D. Coupled movements of lateral flexion and rotation occur in the cervical region. E. Cervical vertebrae allow a greater range of motion compared to lumbar vertebrae. \*\*Answer\*\*: C. Explanation: In the cervical region, the movement centre is not around the nucleus pulposus but the vertebra below, allowing complex coupled movements. 37\. Which of the following statements about the thoracic spine is NOT correct? A. Rib attachments limit thoracic flexion and extension. B. Tangential zygapophyseal facet alignment allows rotational movements. C. The presence of transverse foramina is a defining feature of thoracic vertebrae. D. Thoracic vertebrae have facets for rib articulation. E. Rotation is more prominent in the thoracic spine than in the lumbar spine. \*\*Answer\*\*: C. Explanation: Transverse foramina are a feature of cervical vertebrae, not thoracic vertebrae. 38\. Which of the following statements about intervertebral discs is NOT correct? A. The annulus fibrosus provides tensile strength to contain nucleus pulposus pressure. B. Nucleus pulposus water content decreases with age. C. The annulus fibrosus directly fuses with vertebral bodies. D. The nucleus pulposus contributes to height differences throughout the day. E. Intervertebral discs are symphysis joints. \*\*Answer\*\*: C. Explanation: The annulus fibrosus attaches to the cartilage endplate and annular apophysis but does not fuse directly with vertebral bodies. 39\. A 45-year-old office worker presents with back pain that worsens with prolonged sitting and bending forward. MRI reveals a bulging disc pressing on the posterior longitudinal ligament. Which vertebral region is most likely affected, and why? A. Cervical, due to high disc-facet obliquity B. Thoracic, because rib attachments weaken disc structure C. Lumbar, due to increased compressive loads and motion demands D. Sacral, because of fusion defects E. Cervical, due to translation during motion \*\*Answer\*\*: C. Explanation: Lumbar intervertebral discs bear significant compressive loads and motion, making them prone to bulging and herniation. 40\. A swimmer complains of reduced neck rotation and mild neck pain. Imaging reveals no cervical fusion or injury. Which cervical structure is most likely contributing to this limited range of motion? A. Annular apophysis ossification B. Flattened vertebral foramen C. Zygapophyseal joints with oblique disc-facet alignment D. Nucleus pulposus degeneration E. Transverse foramina compression \*\*Answer\*\*: C. Explanation: Oblique (\~45°) cervical zygapophyseal joints facilitate coupled movements like rotation and lateral flexion, which can become restricted. 41\. A patient sustains a rib fracture from a fall. They report difficulty rotating their upper body. Which mechanism best explains this limitation? A. Rib fracture interfering with thoracic facet joint mobility B. Loss of zygapophyseal joint alignment in the lumbar region C. Inflammation of transverse processes in cervical vertebrae D. Disruption of the annular apophysis in lumbar discs E. Compression of sacral nerve roots \*\*Answer\*\*: A. Explanation: Rib fractures can interfere with the mobility of thoracic zygapophyseal joints, which are essential for rotation. 42\. Which is MOST correct regarding the role of the annulus fibrosus? A. It directly absorbs compressive loads in the vertebral column. B. It fuses with vertebral endplates to transmit tensile forces. C. It encloses the nucleus pulposus, containing internal pressure under load. D. It promotes coupled movements of flexion and extension. E. It forms a rigid boundary to prevent disc herniation. \*\*Answer\*\*: C. Explanation: The annulus fibrosus encloses and contains the nucleus pulposus, allowing it to function as a pressure reservoir during load-bearing. 43\. Which is MOST correct regarding lumbar spine movement? A. The lumbar spine allows pure rotation due to its zygapophyseal joint alignment. B. The lumbar spine is highly flexible in extension but limited in flexion. C. Radially oriented inter-facet joints restrict rotation but allow flexion and extension. D. Coupled movements in the lumbar spine result from its intervertebral disc structure. E. Lateral flexion is the primary movement allowed by lumbar vertebrae. \*\*Answer\*\*: C. Explanation: The radial orientation of lumbar zygapophyseal joints allows flexion and extension while restricting rotation. 44\. Which is MOST correct regarding the nucleus pulposus? A. It primarily functions as a tensile force absorber during motion. B. Its water content is unaffected by aging but reduced by loading. C. It facilitates vertebral column height recovery during rest periods. D. It forms the outermost layer of the intervertebral disc. E. It ossifies during adulthood to support vertebral bodies. \*\*Answer\*\*: C. Explanation: The hydrophilic nucleus pulposus rehydrates during rest, recovering vertebral column height.