Quiz 1 content

Orientation to anatomy, back lecture

What is the primary function of the vertebral column?

Protection of the spinal cord

Explanation: The vertebral column (or spine) primarily serves to protect the spinal cord, which is a vital component of the central nervous system. It also provides structural support to the body.

Which region of the vertebral column has the greatest range and variety of movement?

Cervical

Explanation: The cervical region of the vertebral column, located in the neck, has the greatest range and variety of movement due to its unique structure and articulations. This allows for movements like flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending of the neck.

What is the primary function of the vertebral arch?

Protect the spinal cord

Explanation: The vertebral arch, along with the vertebral body, forms the vertebral canal, which encases and protects the spinal cord as it passes through the vertebral column.

What is the function of the transverse foramen in cervical vertebrae?

Passage for vertebral arteries and veins

Explanation: The transverse foramen in cervical vertebrae serves as a passage for the vertebral arteries and veins, which supply blood to the brain and spinal cord.

Which vertebral region includes vertebrae fused into a single structure?

Sacral

Explanation: The sacral region of the vertebral column consists of vertebrae that are fused into a single structure called the sacrum. This fusion provides stability and support to the pelvis.

Which type of vertebrae have costal facets for articulation with ribs?

Thoracic

Explanation: Thoracic vertebrae have costal facets (articulation points) on their transverse processes and vertebral bodies that allow for the articulation with the ribs, forming the thoracic cage.

What is the characteristic feature of the cervical vertebra known as the "dens"?

Projecting superiorly from the body

Explanation: The "dens" is a projection on the second cervical vertebra (C2 or axis) that projects superiorly from the vertebral body and serves as a pivot for rotation of the head.

Which vertebral region has the smallest amount of movement due to fusion?

Sacral

Explanation: The sacral region has the smallest amount of movement because the sacral vertebrae are fused into a single structure (the sacrum), which provides stability to the pelvis.

What is the role of the vertebral notches in adjacent vertebrae?

Formation of the vertebral canal

Explanation: The vertebral notches in adjacent vertebrae form openings that, when aligned, create the vertebral canal. This canal houses and protects the spinal cord.

What is the function of the spinous process in vertebral anatomy?

Attachment site for muscles and ligaments

Explanation: The spinous process of a vertebra serves as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments that help support and move the spine.

Which system is responsible for draining surplus tissue fluid, leaked plasma proteins, and debris from cellular decomposition and infection?

Lymphoid system

Explanation: The lymphoid system, which includes lymphatic vessels, nodes, and organs, is responsible for draining surplus tissue fluid (lymph), filtering out impurities, and returning it to the bloodstream. It also plays a role in immune responses.

What is the primary function of the neuroglia in the nervous system?

Insulation of neurons

Explanation: Neuroglia, also known as glial cells, support and protect neurons. One of their functions is to insulate neurons, providing electrical insulation and support for the nervous tissue.

Which nervous system division controls involuntary activities and provides sensory and motor innervation to the smooth muscle and glandular tissue?

Autonomic nervous system

Explanation: The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary activities such as heart rate, digestion, and glandular secretion. It innervates smooth muscle and glandular tissue.

What is the term for the area of skin innervated by sensory fibers of a single spinal nerve?

Dermatome

Explanation: A dermatome is the specific area of skin supplied by sensory fibers of a single spinal nerve. Each spinal nerve corresponds to a specific dermatome.

Which type of joint allows gliding or sliding movements in the plane of the articular surface?

Plane joint

Explanation: A plane joint, also known as a gliding joint, allows for gliding or sliding movements between the flat surfaces of adjacent bones. It provides relatively limited motion in multiple directions.

What is the function of the retinaculum in the fascial system?

Forms compartments for muscles and tendons

Explanation: A retinaculum is a band of connective tissue that forms compartments for muscles and tendons, helping to hold them in place and providing support.

Which type of muscle tissue is involved in involuntary contractions of the heart?

Cardiac muscle

Explanation: Cardiac muscle is found in the heart and is responsible for involuntary contractions of the heart, allowing it to pump blood throughout the body.

What is the term for the region of the brain and spinal cord that integrates and processes neural signals for higher mental functions?

Gray matter

Explanation: Gray matter in the brain and spinal cord is responsible for integrating and processing neural signals, including those involved in higher mental functions like learning and memory.

Which division of the nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord?

Central nervous system

Explanation: The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord. It processes sensory information, coordinates responses, and is the center of conscious thought and decision-making.

Which term describes the movement that allows the rotation of the forearm from a palm-up to a palm-down position?

Supination

Explanation: Supination is the term for the movement that allows the rotation of the forearm from a palm-up (pronation) to a palm-down position.

Which type of joint allows for flexion and extension movements only?

Hinge joint

Explanation: Hinge joints permit flexion and extension movements in one plane, similar to the opening and closing of a door. Examples include the elbow and knee joints.

What is the role of the lymphatic system in the body?

Drainage of surplus tissue fluid and debris

Explanation: The primary function of the lymphatic system is to drain surplus tissue fluid, leaked plasma proteins, and cellular debris from the interstitial spaces and return them to the bloodstream.

Which type of bone marking is a rounded, articular area that connects with another bone?

Condyle

Explanation: A condyle is a rounded articular area on a bone that connects with another bone to form a joint. It allows for movement and articulation between bones.

Which part of a neuron is specialized for rapid conduction of nerve signals?

Axon

Explanation: The axon is the part of a neuron specialized for rapid conduction of nerve signals. It transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body to communicate with other neurons or target cells.

Which type of joint has the highest degree of mobility and allows for movements in multiple axes?

Ball and socket joint

Explanation: Ball and socket joints, such as the hip and shoulder joints, have the highest degree of mobility and allow movements in multiple axes, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.

Which component of the nervous system integrates and processes sensory signals to perform higher mental functions like learning and memory?

Gray matter

Explanation: Gray matter in the brain and spinal cord integrates and processes sensory signals to perform higher mental functions like learning and memory.

What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

Regulation of involuntary activities

Explanation: The primary function of the autonomic nervous system is to regulate involuntary activities of the body, including functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

What unique feature of cervical vertebra C7 defines its name as "vertebra prominens"?

Long spinous process

Explanation: Cervical vertebra C7 is known as "vertebra prominens" because it has a relatively long and prominent spinous process that is easily palpable at the base of the neck.

Which vertebra is responsible for supporting the weight of the skull?

Cervical vertebra C1

Explanation: Cervical vertebra C1, also known as the atlas, supports the weight of the skull by articulating with the skull's base. It allows for nodding or "yes" motion of the head.

Which vertebral region is characterized by having the largest and strongest vertebral bodies?

Lumbar

Explanation: The lumbar region of the vertebral column is characterized by having the largest and strongest vertebral bodies. This is because it bears a significant portion of the body's weight and provides stability to the lower back.