anatomy of vertebrae
What is the total number of cervical vertebrae in the human spine
7
How many pairs of spinal nerves are there in the human body?
What is the first step when palpating the vertebral column during a physical exam?
A) Ask the patient to lie down
B) Locate the spinous processes
C) Check for reflexes
D) Measure range of motion
B) Locate the spinous processes
What is the most common tool used to test reflexes during a spinal nerve exam?
A) Tuning fork
B) Reflex hammer
C) Stethoscope
D) Ophthalmoscope
B) Reflex hammer
How many regions are there in the vertebral column? ( double point if you can name them )
A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 6
C) 5
(Regions: Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral, Coccygeal)
This part of the vertebra forms the posterior boundary of the vertebral foramen
a) lamina
b) pedicle
c) spinous process
d) transverse process
c)
A) lamina
Which region of the spine has the most pairs of spinal nerves?
A) Cervical
B) Thoracic
C) Lumbar
D) Sacral
B) thoracic
Which part of the vertebra is most commonly palpated during a spinal exam?
A) Transverse process
B) Vertebral body
C) Spinous process
D) Lamina
C) Spinous process
What is the purpose of testing sensation during a spinal nerve exam?
A) To assess muscle strength
B) To check for pain or numbness
C) To measure reflexes
D) To evaluate range of motion
B) To check for pain or numbness
What is the name of the structure that protects the spinal cord within the vertebral column?
A) Vertebral foramen
B) Intervertebral disc
C) Spinous process
D) Transverse process
A) Vertebral foramen
This unique feature of the cervical vertebrae allows for the passage of the vertebral artery
a) Vertebral body
b) Transverse foramen
c) Spinous foramen
d) Articular facet
B) Transverse Foramen
The brachial plexus is formed by the ventral rami of which spinal nerves?
A) C1-C4
B) C5-T1
C) T2-T6
D) L1-L5
B) C5-T1
When palpating the cervical spine, which landmark is often used to locate C7?
A) Mastoid process
B) External occipital protuberance
C) Vertebra prominens
D) Clavicle
C) Vertebra prominens
Which of the following is a common test to assess the function of the sciatic nerve?
A) Babinski reflex
B) Straight leg raise test
C) Patellar reflex
D) Biceps reflex
B) Straight leg raise test
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the lumbar vertebrae that distinguishes them from thoracic vertebrae?
A) Presence of transverse foramina
B) Facets for articulation with ribs
C) Large, kidney-shaped vertebral bodies
D) Bifid spinous processes
C) Large, kidney-shaped vertebral bodies
Which specific vertebra lacks a body and articulates with the occipital condyles of the skull ?
a) axis C2
b) atlas C1
c) thoracic vertebra T1
d) sacrum
B) atlas C1
Which spinal nerve root is most commonly affected in a herniated disc at the L5-S1 level?
A) L4
B) L5
C) S1
D) S2
C) S1
Which spinal level is most commonly assessed using the patellar reflex?
A) L2
B) L3
C) L4
D) L5
C) L4
Which spinal nerve root is tested by asking the patient to dorsiflex their foot?
A) L3
B) L4
C) L5
D) S1
C) L5
What is the name of the ligament that connects the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae?
A) Anterior longitudinal ligament
B) Ligamentum flavum
C) Interspinous ligament
D) Posterior longitudinal ligament
C) Interspinous ligament
Which ligament runs along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies, extending from the skull to the sacrum?
A) Posterior longitudinal ligament
B) Ligamentum flavum
C) Anterior longitudinal ligament
D) Interspinous ligament
C) Anterior longitudinal ligament
Which of the following is a common test to assess lumbar spine mobility?
A) Straight leg raise test
B) Babinski reflex test
C) Schober’s test
D) Romberg tes
C) Schober’s test