SHB Exam 1 Objectives Questions &
Answers
1. Describe the gross features of the vertebral column, including the numerical labeling -
ANSWERSThe vertebral column is composed of 7 cervical vertebrae (C1-C7), 12 thoracic
vertebrae (T1-T12), 5 lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5), 5 fused sacral vertebrae (S1-S5), and 4 fused
coccygeal vertebrae (coccyx). There are 33 vertebrae in total and 23 intervertebral discs.
1. Describe the gross features of the vertebral column, including primary curvature -
ANSWERSThe primary curvatures are kyphotic curves. The fetal spine exhibits primary curvature
due to the decreased height in vertebral bodies. The thoracic and sacral regions exhibit primary
curvature throughout adulthood.
1. Describe the gross features of the vertebral column, including secondary curvature -
ANSWERSThe secondary curvatures are lordotic curves. They occur postnatally and are
dependent on the intervertebral discs. Cervical lordosis develops when the infant begins to hold
their head up (around 4 months of age). Lumbar lordosis develops when the infant begins to
stand erect and walk (around 10-18 months of age).
2. Describe and label the common features of vertebrae. - ANSWERSThe common features of
vertebrae include the body, vertebral arch, pedicles, laminae, vertebral foramen, spinous
process, transverse processes, and articular processes.
Atlas (C1) - ANSWERSAtlas (C1): no body, no laminae, no pedicles, no spinous process; lateral
masses, anterior and posterior arches, posterior tubercle, superior and inferior articular facets;
transverse processes with foramina transversaria
Axis (C2) - ANSWERSAxis (C2): body with dens (odontoid process); lamina, pedicles, transverse
processes with foramina transversaria, articular processes, bifid spinous process
,Vertebral prominens (C7) - ANSWERSVertebra prominens (C7): long spinous process
7. Identify the bony landmarks of the back and the structures associated with the vertebral
levels: no associations - ANSWERSExternal occipital protuberance; spine of C7
7. Identify the bony landmarks of the back and the structures associated with the vertebral
levels: SP of T3 - ANSWERSSpine of scapula
7. Identify the bony landmarks of the back and the structures associated with the vertebral
levels: SP of T7 - ANSWERSInferior angle of the scapula
7. Identify the bony landmarks of the back and the structures associated with the vertebral
levels: SP of L4 - ANSWERSIliac crest
7. Identify the bony landmarks of the back and the structures associated with the vertebral
levels: SP of S2 - ANSWERSPosterior superior iliac spine
Kyphosis - ANSWERSKyphosis: increased thoracic spine curvature; may be the result of
compression fractures of vertebral bodies from osteoporosis
Lordosis - ANSWERSLordosis: increased lumbar spine curvature; can be seen during pregnancy
or as a result of obesity
Scoliosis - ANSWERSScoliosis: lateral curvature of the spine; adolescent females are the most
commonly affected population
Spondylolysis - ANSWERSSpondylolysis: fracture of the pars interarticularis (lamina between the
superior articular process and the inferior articular process); often occurs in adolescent athletes
that play extension sports (gymnastics, soccer)
, Spondylolisthesis - ANSWERSSpondylolisthesis: anterior displacement of the vertebral body,
pedicles, transverse processes, and superior articular processes; can result from bilateral
spondylolysis
Herniated disc - ANSWERSHerniated disc: protrusion of the nucleus pulposus; can result in
compression of roots and spinal nerves which causes pain and muscle weakness; posterolateral
herniation is the most common due to less support in that area; symptoms are usually unilateral
Laminectomy - ANSWERSLaminectomy: surgical excision of one or more spinous processes and
the supporting vertebral laminae; it is performed surgically to relieve pressure on the spinal
cord or nerve roots caused by a tumor, herniated disc, or bony hypertrophy (excess growth)
Atlantoaxial instability - ANSWERSAtlantoaxial instability: can be caused by laxity of the upper
cervical ligaments, bony abnormalities, trauma, or spinal stenosis; 20-25% of rheumatoid
arthritis patients and 10-20% of Down syndrome patients exhibit laxity in median atlantoaxial
joint
Compressive myelopathy - ANSWERSCompressive myelopathy: compression of the spinal cord;
can result from laxity of/damage to the ligaments
Winged scapula - ANSWERSWinged scapula: with injury of the long thoracic nerve, the medial
border of the scapula moves away from the spine and posteriorly off of the thoracic wall; this
gives the scapula the wing appearance
Describe the external anatomy of the spinal cord - ANSWERSExternal anatomy of the spinal cord
includes the anterior median fissure, posterior median sulcus, and posterolateral sulcus. The
spinal cord is enlarged in the cervical and lumber regions because it needs to bring information
to the upper and lower limbs, respectively.
Answers
1. Describe the gross features of the vertebral column, including the numerical labeling -
ANSWERSThe vertebral column is composed of 7 cervical vertebrae (C1-C7), 12 thoracic
vertebrae (T1-T12), 5 lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5), 5 fused sacral vertebrae (S1-S5), and 4 fused
coccygeal vertebrae (coccyx). There are 33 vertebrae in total and 23 intervertebral discs.
1. Describe the gross features of the vertebral column, including primary curvature -
ANSWERSThe primary curvatures are kyphotic curves. The fetal spine exhibits primary curvature
due to the decreased height in vertebral bodies. The thoracic and sacral regions exhibit primary
curvature throughout adulthood.
1. Describe the gross features of the vertebral column, including secondary curvature -
ANSWERSThe secondary curvatures are lordotic curves. They occur postnatally and are
dependent on the intervertebral discs. Cervical lordosis develops when the infant begins to hold
their head up (around 4 months of age). Lumbar lordosis develops when the infant begins to
stand erect and walk (around 10-18 months of age).
2. Describe and label the common features of vertebrae. - ANSWERSThe common features of
vertebrae include the body, vertebral arch, pedicles, laminae, vertebral foramen, spinous
process, transverse processes, and articular processes.
Atlas (C1) - ANSWERSAtlas (C1): no body, no laminae, no pedicles, no spinous process; lateral
masses, anterior and posterior arches, posterior tubercle, superior and inferior articular facets;
transverse processes with foramina transversaria
Axis (C2) - ANSWERSAxis (C2): body with dens (odontoid process); lamina, pedicles, transverse
processes with foramina transversaria, articular processes, bifid spinous process
,Vertebral prominens (C7) - ANSWERSVertebra prominens (C7): long spinous process
7. Identify the bony landmarks of the back and the structures associated with the vertebral
levels: no associations - ANSWERSExternal occipital protuberance; spine of C7
7. Identify the bony landmarks of the back and the structures associated with the vertebral
levels: SP of T3 - ANSWERSSpine of scapula
7. Identify the bony landmarks of the back and the structures associated with the vertebral
levels: SP of T7 - ANSWERSInferior angle of the scapula
7. Identify the bony landmarks of the back and the structures associated with the vertebral
levels: SP of L4 - ANSWERSIliac crest
7. Identify the bony landmarks of the back and the structures associated with the vertebral
levels: SP of S2 - ANSWERSPosterior superior iliac spine
Kyphosis - ANSWERSKyphosis: increased thoracic spine curvature; may be the result of
compression fractures of vertebral bodies from osteoporosis
Lordosis - ANSWERSLordosis: increased lumbar spine curvature; can be seen during pregnancy
or as a result of obesity
Scoliosis - ANSWERSScoliosis: lateral curvature of the spine; adolescent females are the most
commonly affected population
Spondylolysis - ANSWERSSpondylolysis: fracture of the pars interarticularis (lamina between the
superior articular process and the inferior articular process); often occurs in adolescent athletes
that play extension sports (gymnastics, soccer)
, Spondylolisthesis - ANSWERSSpondylolisthesis: anterior displacement of the vertebral body,
pedicles, transverse processes, and superior articular processes; can result from bilateral
spondylolysis
Herniated disc - ANSWERSHerniated disc: protrusion of the nucleus pulposus; can result in
compression of roots and spinal nerves which causes pain and muscle weakness; posterolateral
herniation is the most common due to less support in that area; symptoms are usually unilateral
Laminectomy - ANSWERSLaminectomy: surgical excision of one or more spinous processes and
the supporting vertebral laminae; it is performed surgically to relieve pressure on the spinal
cord or nerve roots caused by a tumor, herniated disc, or bony hypertrophy (excess growth)
Atlantoaxial instability - ANSWERSAtlantoaxial instability: can be caused by laxity of the upper
cervical ligaments, bony abnormalities, trauma, or spinal stenosis; 20-25% of rheumatoid
arthritis patients and 10-20% of Down syndrome patients exhibit laxity in median atlantoaxial
joint
Compressive myelopathy - ANSWERSCompressive myelopathy: compression of the spinal cord;
can result from laxity of/damage to the ligaments
Winged scapula - ANSWERSWinged scapula: with injury of the long thoracic nerve, the medial
border of the scapula moves away from the spine and posteriorly off of the thoracic wall; this
gives the scapula the wing appearance
Describe the external anatomy of the spinal cord - ANSWERSExternal anatomy of the spinal cord
includes the anterior median fissure, posterior median sulcus, and posterolateral sulcus. The
spinal cord is enlarged in the cervical and lumber regions because it needs to bring information
to the upper and lower limbs, respectively.
