Exam 2: Spine and Back (CDUpa2022)

Which features of the lumbar vertebrae are not seen on any other type of vertebrae?

Mamillary process and Accessory process

Which type of intervertebral ligament is a continuation of the ligamentum nuchae that connects the tips of the spinous processes and function to limit flexion of the spine?

Supraspinous ligament

Which type of intervertebral ligament joins the ligamentum flava anteriorly and supraspinous ligaments posteriorly, and functions to control flexion?

Interspinous ligament

Which type of intervertebral ligament connects the transverse processes of one vertebra to the transverse process of the lower vertebrae and limits lateral flexion of the spine?

Intertransverse ligament

The longitudinally oriented arterial supply to the spinal cord are which arteries?

Spinal arteries

The transversely oriented arterial supply to the spinal cord are which arteries?

Segmental arteries

Which ligament of the occipital axial complex extends between the body of the C2 vertebrae to the anterior rim of the foramen magnum?

Tectorial membrane

Which ligament of the occipital axial complex is made up of the transverse ligament and longitudinal band?

Cruciform ligament

Which ligament of the occipital axial complex extends from the apex of the dens to the anterior margin of the foramen magnum?

Apical ligament

Which ligament of the occipital axial complex extends from the sides of the apex of the dens to the tubercle on medial sides of occipital condyles, limiting rotation?

Alar ligaments

How many cervical vertebrae are there?

7

How many thoracic vertebrae are there?

12

How many lumbar vertebrae are there?

5

How many sacral vertebrae are there?

5 fused

How many coccyxl vertebrae are there?

3-5 fused

When do primary spinal curvatures appear in life?

Late in fetal development

When do secondary spinal curvatures appear in life?

Cervical by 3-4 months and lumbar by the first year of life

Which type of spinal vertebrae is small, kidney bean shaped, with transverse foramina?

Cervical vertebrae

Which type of spinal vertebrae is medium sized, with a heart shaped body, and costal facets for ribs?

Thoracic vertebrae

Which type of spinal vertebrae is large, oval, and round, with a large thick and blunt transverse process?

Lumbar vertebrae

Which vessels represent the termination of the basilar artery at the circle of willis?

Posterior cerebral arteries

What are the five superficial back muscles?

Trapezius, latissimus dorsi, rhomboid major, rhomboid minor, and levator scapulae

Give the action of the serratus posterior superior.

elevates the ribs

Give the action for the serratus posterior inferior.

pulls lower ribs inferiorly

What are two intermediate back muscles?

Serratus posterior superior and serratus posterior inferior

Which muscles make up the erector spinae?

Spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis

What is the action of the erector spinae muscles?

Extend the spine

Deep to the erector spinae are which muscles?

Transversospinales

Which muscles make up the transversospinalis from most superficial to deepest?

Semispinalis, multifidus, and rotatores

At which level does the spinal cord end?

L1/L2 (conus medullaris)

How many pairs of spinal nerves originate from the spinal cord?

31

What is the name of the structure that is an extension of the pia mater that is attached to the coccygeal segments, whose function is to suspend the cord in the CSF

Filum terminale

Lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal nerves descend beyond the end of the spinal cord to form which structure?

Cauda equina

The spinal cord contains which two enlargements?

Cervical and lumbosacral enlargements

The three plexi of the spinal cord are what?

Cervical, brachial, and lumbosacral plexus

What material located at the center of the spinal cord is mostly comprised of interneurons?

Gray matter

Which structure connects the wings on the R/L side and has a central canal that contains CSF?

Gray commissure

The lateral horn of the spinal cord is found between which vertebrae only?

T1 to L2

What material located on the periphery of the spinal cord is mostly comprised of myelinated axons?

White matter

What are the functions of intervertebral discs?

Shock absorbers and bind vertebral bodies

What are the divisions of intervertebral discs?

Annulus fibrosus (outer) and nucleus pulposus (inner)

The annulus fibrosus is arranged in what fashion?

Concentric lamellae

What makes up the outer part of the annulus fibrosus?

Collagenous fibers

What makes up the inner part of the annulus fibrosus?

Fibrocartilage

Damage to the annulus fibrosus leads to what injury?

Bulging or protrusion of the nucleus pulposus

What makes up the majority of the nucleus pulposus?

Water