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Vertebral Column Anatomy: Practice Exam Questions and Answers, Exams of Advanced Education

Miami University - Oxford Advanced Education

A practice exam with questions and answers covering the anatomy of the vertebral column. It includes topics such as the functions of the vertebral column, cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal vertebrae, intervertebral discs, articular processes, and various joints like the atlanto-occipital and sacroiliac joints. Additionally, it covers vertebral column curves, associated pathologies, ligaments, muscles of the back, spinal cord functions, and spinal cord injuries. This resource is designed to help students review and test their knowledge of vertebral anatomy.

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BMS 301 PRACTICE EXAM 2

Functions of Vertebral Column - ANSWER - Protects CNS/spinal Cord

- Supportive of the head, ribs, upper limb

- Site of a lot of muscle attachments

- Function in locomotion

- Erect Posture

Cervical Vertebrae - ANSWER - 7 vertebrae

- Support the head and provide passage of arteries to the brain

- Bifid spinal processes

- Transverse foramina in each of the transverse processes are protective for the

vertebral artery

-C7 is the vertebra prominens, the first vertebra you can feel on the posterior

neck area

Thoracic Vertebrae - ANSWER - 12 vertebrae

- Articulate with and help support the ribs and rib cage

-costal facets on transverse processes for rib attachment

Lumbar Vertebrae - ANSWER - 5 large vertebrae

- Support the trunk, head and upper extremities

provide a strong attachment base for the muscles that move the trunk and upper

limbs

- Rounded, short spinous processes

Sacral Vertebrae - ANSWER - 5 vertebrae which are fused

articulate with the hip bones and transfer weight from the upper body to the

lower extremities

- Firm foundation for the trunk muscles

- Anterior and posterior sacral foramina (ventral rami)

Coccygeal Vertebrae - ANSWER - 3-5 vertebrae that are inferior to sacrum

and usually the last several of them are fused together

Intervertebral Discs - ANSWER - Strongly adhered to the adjacent vertebral

bodies

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BMS 301 PRACTICE EXAM 2

Functions of Vertebral Column - ANSWER - Protects CNS/spinal Cord

Supportive of the head, ribs, upper limb
Site of a lot of muscle attachments
Function in locomotion
Erect Posture Cervical Vertebrae - ANSWER - 7 vertebrae
Support the head and provide passage of arteries to the brain
Bifid spinal processes
Transverse foramina in each of the transverse processes are protective for the vertebral artery
C7 is the vertebra prominens, the first vertebra you can feel on the posterior neck area Thoracic Vertebrae - ANSWER - 12 vertebrae
Articulate with and help support the ribs and rib cage
costal facets on transverse processes for rib attachment Lumbar Vertebrae - ANSWER - 5 large vertebrae
Support the trunk, head and upper extremities provide a strong attachment base for the muscles that move the trunk and upper limbs
Rounded, short spinous processes Sacral Vertebrae - ANSWER - 5 vertebrae which are fused articulate with the hip bones and transfer weight from the upper body to the lower extremities
Firm foundation for the trunk muscles
Anterior and posterior sacral foramina (ventral rami) Coccygeal Vertebrae - ANSWER - 3 - 5 vertebrae that are inferior to sacrum and usually the last several of them are fused together Intervertebral Discs - ANSWER - Strongly adhered to the adjacent vertebral bodies

Cartilaginous (slightly moveable)
Made out of outer concentric cartilaginous rings (annulus fibrosus)
Annulus fibrosus surrounds a central jelly-like mass (nucleus pulposus)
Very tough shock absorber Superior and Inferior Articular Processes - ANSWER - x4 per each vertebra
Synovial, plane-gliding
Prevent dislocation anteriorly/posteriorly and laterally Atlanto- Occipital Joint - ANSWER - Articulation between the atlas (C1, no vertebral body, just a big ring) and the cranium
"yes" joint
Synovial - biaxial hinge joint
Skull can rock back and forth Atlantoaxial Joint - ANSWER - Articulation between the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) (has a projection called the dens which extends into the atlas)
Synovial joint allowing for rotational movement as C1 can spin around C
"no" joint
Synovial- rotational Sacroiliac Joint - ANSWER - The joint between the sacrum and the ilium (sacrum is a triangle with the apex pointing inferiorly allowing the sacrum to wedge itself between the two wings of the iliac bones forming the sacroiliac joint)
Synovial - plane-gliding
Important in weight transfer Describe the curves of the vertebral column and associated pathologies. - ANSWER - By 1 year of age:
- Cervical curve (allows us to hold head upright)
- Thoracic curve (concaves anteriorly, makes room for organs in the thorax)
- Lumbar curve
- Sacral curve (makes room for the organs in the pelvis)
Curvature abnormalities: Scoliosis: lateral curvature of spine Kyphosis: bent, exaggerated thoracic curvature, hump, the thoracic region becomes wedges

Anatomy of the Intervertebral Disc - ANSWER - Circular cartilaginous joints

Between vertebral bodies
Surrounded anteriorly and posteriorly by the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments
Parts: annulsus fibrosus (a sturdy tire-like ring structure that encloses the nucleus pulposus) and nucleus pulposus (a gel-like substance in the center of the intervertebral disk)

Extrinsic Muscles of the Back - ANSWER - Begin on the back and insert elsewhere

Act on the upper limb
Innervated by the VENTRAL RAMI General Intrinsic Back Muscles - ANSWER - "true back muscles", begin and end on the back
- Splenius m.
- Erector Spinae mm. (iliocostalis m., spinalis m., longissimus m.)
- Transversospinalis m.
Innervated by the DORSAL RAMI
Function: to support vertebral column
Actions differ bilaterally/unilaterally Splenius m. - ANSWER - Superficial intrinsic m.
Run from spinous processes of thoracic vertebrae to attach on transverse processes of cervical vertebrae
Bilaterally extend the vertebral column
Unilaterally rotate and laterally flex the vertebral column
Innervation: dorsal rami Erector Spinae mm. - ANSWER - 3 muscle bodies, continues from sacrum to skull as a group (intermediate group)
All innervated by the dorsal rami
Bilaterally extend the vertebral column
Unilaterally act as lateral flexors of the vertebral column Iliocostalis m. - ANSWER - Run sacrum to rib to rib to rib

Part of erector spinae m. group
- innervated by the dorsal rami
- Bilaterally extend the vertebral column
- Unilaterally act as lateral flexors of the vertebral column
Runs most lateral of the group Longissimus m. - ANSWER - Run sacrum to transverse process to t.p to t.p
Part of the erector spinae m. group
Innervated by the dorsal rami
Bilaterally extend the vertebral column
Unilaterally act as lateral flexors of the vertebral column
Runs in between the iliocostalis m. and the spinalis m. Spinalis m. - ANSWER - Runs sacrum to spinal process to s.p. to s.p
Part of the erector spinae mm. group
Innervated by the dorsal rami
Bilaterally extend the vertebral column
Unilaterally act as lateral flexors of the vertebral column
Runs most medial of the group (basically right next to the vertebral column) Transversospinalis m. - ANSWER - Part of the deep group of true back mm.
Runs transverse process to spinous process
Bilaterally extend the vertebral column
Unilaterally rotate the vertebral column
Function to help support the vertebral column (In lab is seen in the cut-away section) Spinal Cord Functions and Location - ANSWER - Part of the CNS
Continuous with the brainstem
Begins at the foramen magnum and ends at bony level L2 (conus medularis) Functions:
- Reflexes
- Sensory processes
- Motor outflow to the periphery (lower motor neurons have cell bodies in the spinal cord, this is also the final common pathway for motor neurons) Levels of the Spinal Cord - ANSWER - 31 segments giving rise to a bilateral pair of spinal nerves

Flaccid Paralysis - ANSWER - A state in which the muscles are limp and cannot contract

Complete lack of tone (atonia) Spastic Paralysis - ANSWER - Results from damage to the upper motor neurons
Muscle contracts, but not in a voluntary manner Motor and Sensory Neurons Above an Injury - ANSWER - Normal motor function
Normal sensory function Motor and Sensory Neurons at the Injury Level - ANSWER - Motor function: flaccid paralysis
Sensory function: anesthesia Motor and Sensory Neurons Below the Injury Level - ANSWER - Motor function: spastic paralysis
Sensory function: anesthesia (muscle can contract, but the brain can't connect) White Matter - ANSWER - More superficial in the spinal cord
Composed of axons (cell processes) that are myelinated to increase conduction speed and high in lipid content
In CNS = tracts
In PNS = nerves Long ascending Long descending Short propriospinal Components of a Reflex Arc - ANSWER 1. Receptor

Sensory/Afferent neuron
Interneuron
Motor/Efferent neuron
Target organ Function of Meninges - ANSWER - Support and protect spinal cord

Dura Mater - ANSWER - Thick, outermost layer of the meninges

Attached to bone and arachnoid Arachnoid Mater - ANSWER - Middle layer of the meninges
Connected to pia mater via the arachnoid trabeculae Pia Mater - ANSWER - Thin, delicate inner membrane of the meninges
Intimately associated with the spinal cord
Filum terminale: inferior continuation to anchor the spinal cord
Denticulate ligaments: laterally anchor the spinal cord to bone Subarachnoid Space - ANSWER - Location of cerebrospinal fluid
Between the pia mater and the arachnoid mater
Arachnoid trabeculations connect the pia mater and the arachnoid mater and travel through the subarachnoid space Epidural Space - ANSWER - Space between the dura mater and the wall of the vertebral canal (superficial to the dura) Arachnoid Trabeculations - ANSWER - Connect the arachnoid mater to the pia mater Filum Terminale - ANSWER - Inferior continuation of pia mater to the coccyx
Anchors the spinal cord Denticulate Ligaments - ANSWER - Specializations of the pia mater that anchor the spinal cord to the dura mater and limit the movement of the cord
Can't be see below L Lumbar Cistern - ANSWER - Enlarged subarachnoid space below the end of the spinal cord with cerebrospinal fluid
Contains the cauda equina, ends at bony level S
Region of lumbar puncture, to avoid damage to the spinal cord Terminal End of the Spinal Cord - ANSWER - Conus medullaris = end of spinal cord at bony level L2, gives way to the cauda equina (collection of spinal nerves below the end of the spinal cord (L2))

Nerve Supply to the Thoracic Wall - ANSWER - Both motor and sensory nerve supply is supplied by the thoracic spinal or intercostal nerves

Thoracic spinal nn don't communicate with any nerve plexuses
Run with the intercostal a. and v. between adjacent ribs What Directions does the Thoracic Cavity Expand and What Muscles/Bones are Involved? - ANSWER - Anterior to posterior (Ribs)
Transversely (ribs and intercostal muscles)
Superior to inferior (respiratory diaphragm)
Intercostal muscles more to rib cage Contents of the Mediastinum - ANSWER - Heart
Aorta
Azygous v.
Trachea
Esophagus
Vagus nn.
Sympathetic n. trunks
Phrenic n. Segments of the Lungs - ANSWER - Right: 3 lobes
Left: 2 Lobes
Segments: separated by an oblique fissure so each segment has its own blood supply and own connective tissue housing
Root: primary bronchi, pulmonary a. and pulmonary vv (one to each lobe) Trachea - ANSWER - Common tube between the lungs (splits into 2 at T6)
- splits primary: bronchi
- secondary: lobar bronchi (3 on the right and 2 on the left)
- tertiary: segmented bronchi
Incomplete ring of cartilage Pleural Cavity - ANSWER - Unbroken balloon
Lungs are completely covered with a visceral layer of pleura
The thoracic walls (next to the ribs) are covered by a parietal layer
Serous fluid is the only thing in the pleural cavity
- Serous fluid creates tension and negative pressure between the two layers

Respiration - ANSWER - Passive (no energy consumption)

Vacuum in the pulmonary cavities (P = 1/V)
Anterior to Posterior + Transversely = intercostal mm.
Superior to Inferior = respiratory diaphragm
Any mm. connected to the thoracic wall has a role in inspiration
Innervation: Phrenic n. Inspiration:
Thoracic cavity volume increases, pressure decreases, abdominal volume decreases, pressure increases Expiration: opposite Anatomy, Attachments and Innervation of the Diaphrahm - ANSWER At rest: diaphragm is a dome shape During inhalation: diaphragm contracts and flattens out Attachments:
A: xiphoid process, last 6 ribs and coastal cartilages, upper three lumbar vertebra
B: central tendon of diaphragm Innervation:
phrenic nerve (C3, C4, C5)
- increase thoracic cavity volume, increase abdominal pressure List Six Structure that Pass Through the Diaphragm - ANSWER - Inferior Vena Cava
Esophagus
Sympathetic Trunk (Greater Splanchnic Nerve)
Aorta
Vagus Nerve
Azygous Vein List the Three Divisions of the Thorax and their Contents - ANSWER Left and Right Pulmonary Cavities
Lungs Mediastinum
Heart, aorta, azygous vein, vagus nerve, phrenic nerve, trachea, esophagus, superior vena cava

Carries O2 rich blood from the lungs to the left atrium Aorta - ANSWER - Artery that carries blood from left ventricle to the rest of the body Left and Right Coronary aa. - ANSWER - Branch from the ascending aorta
On the surface of the heart (Posterior and Anterior)
Left coronary a. branches into Circumflex branch and anterior inter ventricular branch of the left coronary artery.
Right coronary artery branches into the posterior interventricular branch (determines heart dominance) and the marginal branch Brachiocephalic Trunk a. - ANSWER - Branches off of the aortic arch
Branches into the R. common carotid a. and the R. subclavian a. L. Common Carotid a. - ANSWER - Branches off of aortic arch
Left of the brachiocephalic trunk a. L. Subclavian a. - ANSWER - Branches off of aortic arch
Carries blood to the internal thoracic aa. Subclavian vv. - ANSWER - Left and Right
Blood return from the upper limb (including the internal thoracic vv.)
Flows into the Brachiocephalic vv. Internal Jugular vv. - ANSWER - Blood return from the head and neck
Flows into the brachiocephalic vv. Brachiocephalic vv. - ANSWER - Left and right
Combination of subclavian and internal jugular vv.
Flows into the superior vena cava Superior Vena Cava - ANSWER - Brachiocephalic vv. flow into SVC (blood from upper portion of the body)
Flows into right atrium Chordae Tendineae - ANSWER - Thin bands of fibrous tissue that attach to the atrioventricular valves in the heart and papillary muscles

Papillary m. - ANSWER - Attach to the chordae tendineae to keep the atrioventricular valves closed and keep blood from flowing backwards in the heart Aortic Semilunar Valve - ANSWER - Regulates blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta Pulmonary Semilunar Valve - ANSWER - Located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery Aortic Sinus - ANSWER - The space behind the aortic semilunar valve that fills with blood to close the valve

Coronary arteries are fed from this space Blood Supply of the Myocardium - ANSWER - Right and left coronary aa. arising from the ascending aorta Right Coronary Artery - ANSWER - Blood supply to the myocardium Branches:
- Right Marginal branch of the right coronary a.
- Posterior interventricular branch of the right coronary a. (lies in the posterior interventricular groove and DETERMINES HEART DOMINANCE) Left Coronary Artery - ANSWER - Very short Branches:
- Anterior interventricular branch
- Circumflex branch of the left coronary a. (wraps around the heart) Venous Drainage of the Heart - ANSWER - Almost completely take care of by the coronary sinus (on the posterior aspect of the heart)
- opens/empties into the right atrium
Great Cardiac Vein
Middle Cardiac Vein Middle Cardiac Vein - ANSWER - Runs with the posterior interventricular branch of the right coronary a. (determines heart dominance)
Empties into the coronary sinus

Inferior: pelvic inlet (an imaginary line between the sacral premonitory and the pubic symphysis Boundaries of the Pelvic Cavity - ANSWER - Pelvic inlet to Pelvic floor (contains the urogenital organs) Borders of the Abdominal Wall - ANSWER Superior
- Anterior: Xiphoid process of the sternum
- Posterior: T10 vertebra
- Lateral: Lower ribs Inferior
- Anterior: pubic symphysis
- Posterior: L5/S1 vertebrae
- Lateral: iliac crest Functions of Abdominal Wall - ANSWER - Increase pressure in the abdominal cavity
Rotate the trunk
Protect abdominal viscera
Posture and support of the trunk Innervation of the Abdominal Wall - ANSWER - Spinal nerves T7-L
Anterior ventral rami Blood Supply of the Abdominal Wall - ANSWER - Mimics that of the thoracic wall
Posterior: lumbar arteries (x4) which arise from the descending abdominal aorta
Anterior: superior epigastric aa. (the terminal ends of the internal thoracic aa. which forms an anastomosis with the inferior epigastric a. (a branch of the external iliac a.)) List the Abdominal Wall mm. - ANSWER - Rectus abdominus
External Abdominal Oblique m.
Internal Abdominal Oblique m.
Transverses abdominus m.

Posterior:

psoas m.
quadratus lumborum m. Rectus Abdominus m. - ANSWER - Has tendinous intersections connecting (what forms the "6-pack") Border:
Lower ribs to pubic symphysis Actions:
Bilateral flexion of the trunk
Unilateral lateral flexion External Abdominal Oblique m. - ANSWER Borders:
Lower ribs to aponeurosis on the midline
"hands in pockets" direction Actions:
Bilateral flexion of the trunk
Unilateral rotation of the trunk to the opposite side Internal Abdominal Oblique m. - ANSWER Borders:
thoracolumbar fascia to aponeurosis
"coping a feel" direction Actions:
Bilateral flexion of the trunk
Unilateral rotation of the trunk to the same side Transversis Abdominis m. - ANSWER - Deepest Borders:
thoracolumbar fascia to aponeurosis
straight towards midline direction Actions:
Bilateral flexion of the trunk
Unilaterally increases abdominal pressure Rectus Sheath - ANSWER - Three flat muscles that wrap around the rectus abdominis muscles as connective tissue
External abdominal oblique: wraps around top of rectus sheath

Spermatic Cord - ANSWER - Abdominal connection to the testes (extends from testis through the superficial inguinal ring, also is covered by 3 layers of the anterior abdominal wall)

Composed of inner core (spermatic arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels with testicular nerves and ductus deferens)
- pampiniform venous plexus: exclude ductus deferens Peritoneum - ANSWER - Serous membrane in abdominal cavity
Visceral and parietal layers
GI system is encased (circumperitoneal/intraperitoneal)
Urogenital system is retroperitoneal Peritoneal Specializations - ANSWER Greater Omentum
Runs greater curvature of the stomach to transverse colon
Decreases friction, potential immune function, visceral fat storage
4 layers of peritoneum Lesser Omentum
Runs between the liver and the stomach on the lesser curvature Mesentary
Suspends the small intestine and large parts of the large intestine
double layer
provides a route for vessels and nerves Esophagus - ANSWER - Travels pharynx to the stomach
Empties into the stomach through an opening in the respiratory diaphragm called the ESOPHAGEAL HIATUS Stomach (Parts and Placement) - ANSWER - Left Upper Quadrant
Empties into the duodenum through the pyloric sphincter Parts:
Fundus (allows the stomach to enlarge)
Body
Pylorus
Greater Curvature
Lesser Curvature
Pyloric Sphincter

Duodenum - ANSWER - First portion of the small intestine

Receives digestive enzyme secretions from the pancreas and bile from the gall bladder via the pancreatic duct Jejunum - ANSWER - Middle portion of the small intestine
Absorbs nutrients from the food passing through the alimentary canal Ileum - ANSWER - Last 3/5 of the small intestine
Absorbs nutrients from the food passing through the alimentary canal
Empties into large intestine via the ileocecal junction Ileocecal Junction - ANSWER - The end of the small intestine where the ileum joins the cecum of the large intestine Parts of the Large Intestine - ANSWER - Cecum
Veriform Appendix
Colon
- ascending
- transverse
- descending
- sigmoid
Anal Canal
Rectum Describe the Nerve Supply to the GI System - ANSWER - Autonomic Nervous System Function of Liver - ANSWER - Metabolism, detox, produces bile Function of Pancreas - ANSWER - Endocrine (produces insulin)
Exocrine (secretion of digestion enzymes) Function of Gallbladder - ANSWER - Stores bile from liver, squeeze bile out when needed for digestion Trace the Flow of Bile from the Liver to the Gallbladder to the Duodenum - ANSWER Liver --> Left and Right hepatic ducts --> common hepatic artery --

cystic duct --> gallbladder --> cystic duct --> bile duct --> duodenum

Vertebral Column Anatomy: Practice Exam Questions and Answers, Exams of Advanced Education

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BMS 301 PRACTICE EXAM 2