UT 201 week 3 spine quiz review

Cervical vertebrae count

7 vertebrae

Thoracic vertebrae count

12 vertebrae

Lumbar vertebrae count

5 vertebrae

Sacrum segment count

5 fused segments

Coccyx segment count

3 to 5 segments

Spinal region articulating with ribs

Thoracic vertebrae (via costal facets)

Transverse foramen

An opening present in each transverse process of cervical vertebrae that allows passage of vertebral vessels

Definition of bifid

Split or divided into two parts / two prongs (often describing cervical spinous processes)

Spinous process described as bifid

Cervical spinous process

Number of meningeal layers covering the spine

3 layers

Names and order of meningeal layers (outer to inner)

Dura mater (outer), arachnoid mater (middle), pia mater (inner)

How do spinal nerves exit the sacrum?

Through the sacral foramina located on both the anterior and posterior surfaces

Cervical vertebrae: Key shapes and features

Small body, transverse foramen in each transverse process, and often a bifid spinous process

Thoracic vertebrae: Key shapes and features

Larger than cervical vertebrae, heart-shaped body, and costal facets for rib articulation

Lumbar vertebrae: Key shapes and features

Large, heavy body with a large, blunt spinous process; no costal facets and no transverse foramina

Sacral vertebrae: Key shapes and features

Triangular structure formed by 5 fused segments; features sacral foramina, median sacral crest, lateral sacral crest, and sacral hiatus

Vertebrae without costal facets

Cervical, lumbar, and sacral/coccyx vertebrae (only thoracic have costal facets)

Sacral foramina

Openings/holes found on both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the sacrum through which sacral spinal nerves exit

Job of intervertebral discs

To separate the vertebral bodies, absorb shock, and provide flexibility

Location of intervertebral discs

Located between adjacent vertebral bodies

What connects the vertebral column

An array of ligaments (such as anterior longitudinal, posterior longitudinal, supraspinous, and interspinous ligaments, as well as ligamentum flavum)

Intervertebral foramina

Lateral openings formed between adjacent vertebrae through which spinal nerves exit the spinal canal on both sides

Origin of spinal nerves

From the spinal cord at each intervertebral level

Conus medullaris

The caudal (tapering terminal) tip of the spinal cord

Cauda equina

The bundle of nerve roots extending inferiorly below the conus medullaris