Lecture 1 - The Vertebral Column

Explanation
The intervertebral discs are located between each pair of vertebrae in the vertebral column. These discs act as shock absorbers and provide flexibility to the spine. They are made up of a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus. The intervertebral discs contribute significantly to the overall length of the vertebral column, making up approximately one-fourth of its total length. Therefore, the statement that the intervertebral discs make up one-fourth of the total length of the vertebral column is true.

Explanation
The correct answer is option 2. This means that the discs only have a limited blood supply in their superficial layer. This suggests that the deeper layers of the intervertebral discs do not receive a significant blood supply.

Explanation
The intervertebral discs are relatively thinnest at the thoracic level.

Explanation
The anterior longitudinal ligament is a strong band that runs along the front of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs in the spine. It helps to stabilize the spine and prevent excessive movement. Therefore, it does attach to the discs, making the statement false.

Explanation
The ligamentum flavum is indeed an example of a "short ligament." This ligament is located in the spine and connects adjacent vertebrae. It is relatively short in length compared to other ligaments in the body. The ligamentum flavum plays an important role in maintaining the stability and flexibility of the spine. It helps to limit excessive movement between vertebrae and acts as a shock absorber. Therefore, the statement that the ligamentum flavum is a "short ligament" is true.

Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1: Supraspinal ligament. The supraspinal ligament is a long ligament that runs along the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies from the C7 to the sacrum. It connects the tips of the spinous processes and helps to stabilize the spine. The other options, the interspinal ligament and the intertransverse ligament, are shorter ligaments that connect adjacent spinous processes and transverse processes, respectively.

Explanation
The correct answer is option 5 because all of the above answers are correct. The thoracic spine has relatively poor mobility due to one thin disc, two facet joints between the vertebrae, the four connections between the thoracic cage (ribs) and thoracic vertebrae, and the two joints between the sternum and ribs.

Explanation
The costovertebral joint refers to the connection between a rib and the vertebra at the same level, as well as the vertebra above it. This joint allows for movement and flexibility of the ribs, enabling proper breathing and protection of the internal organs. Therefore, the statement that the costovertebral joint is the articulation between the rib and the vertebra at the same level AND the vertebra above is true.

Explanation
The facet joints in the thoracic area are oriented 60 degrees forward in relation to the transverse plane.

Explanation
thoracic

Explanation
opposite in the inferior part

Explanation
Intrinsic. Muscles provide extrinsic

Explanation
The statement is true because it accurately describes the structure of the motion segment in the spine. The motion segment is made up of two vertebrae and the soft tissues that surround them. The anterior portion of the motion segment specifically includes the two adjacent vertebral bodies, the intervertebral discs, and the longitudinal ligaments. This information aligns with the statement provided, confirming that the answer is true.

Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3. The nucleus pulposus lies directly in the center of all discs except in one segment where it has a slightly posterior position. This segment is the lumbar region. In the cervical and thoracic regions, the nucleus pulposus is located centrally within the intervertebral discs. However, in the lumbar region, it is slightly shifted towards the posterior side. This anatomical variation is important to consider when evaluating and treating spinal conditions in the lumbar region.

Explanation
Fibrocartilage

Explanation
The crisscross arrangement of the coarse collagen fiber bundles within the fibrocartilage provides strength and stability to the annulus fibrosus, enabling it to withstand high bending and torsional loads. This arrangement enhances the structural integrity of the fibrocartilage, making the statement true.

Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3: Hyperextended. When the spine is hyperextended, the facet joints experience the greatest loads, accounting for approximately 30% of the total load. Hyperextension refers to the excessive backward bending of the spine beyond its normal range of motion. This puts increased stress on the facet joints, which are responsible for guiding and limiting the movement of the spine. The excessive load on the facet joints in a hyperextended position can potentially lead to joint degeneration and pain.

Explanation
The facet joints are synovial joints because they are characterized by the presence of a synovial membrane and synovial fluid, which allows for smooth movement between the articulating surfaces. Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body and are found in areas that require a wide range of motion, such as the spine. The facet joints, also known as zygapophyseal joints, are located between the vertebrae and play a crucial role in allowing for spinal movement and stability.

Explanation
it is the facet joints between the vertebrae

Explanation
The statement is false because the superior and inferior fat pads are indeed present in the facet joints of the thoracic region of the spine. These fat pads help to cushion and support the facet joints, which are the connections between the vertebrae.

Explanation
The correct answer is option 3. The vertebrae are supplied by branches from the aorta. This means that the blood supply to the vertebrae comes directly from the largest artery in the body, which ensures a sufficient and direct supply of oxygen and nutrients to the vertebrae. This is important for maintaining the health and function of the vertebrae, as they need a constant supply of blood to support their metabolic needs.

Explanation
The SI-joint, also known as the sacroiliac joint, is located in the pelvis and is responsible for transmitting forces between the spine and the lower extremities. It helps to absorb shock and transfer forces from the upper body to the lower body and vice versa. This joint plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and providing support during activities such as walking, running, and lifting. Therefore, the statement that the SI-joint functions mainly to absorb and transmit forces around the pelvic ring is true.

Explanation
cranial ligaments will

Explanation
The spinal cord is a long, cylindrical bundle of nerve fibers that extends from the brainstem down to the lower back. In adults, the spinal cord typically ends at the level of the first or second lumbar vertebrae (L1-2). This means that the spinal cord does not extend all the way down to the lower back or into the pelvis. Instead, below the level of L1-2, the spinal cord branches out into a bundle of nerves called the cauda equina. Therefore, the statement that the spinal cord ends at the level of L1-2 is true.

Explanation
The AC-joint refers to the acromioclavicular joint, which is the joint between the acromion process of the scapula and the clavicle. Innervation refers to the nerves that supply a particular area. The C4 dermatome refers to the area of skin that is primarily supplied by the C4 spinal nerve. Therefore, the statement that the AC-joint is mostly innervated by the C4 dermatome is true. This means that sensations from the AC-joint are primarily transmitted through the C4 spinal nerve.