BPK 241 Final Examination, 2026/2027 – Functional anatomy
and BiomEchanics comPEtEncy assEssmEnt (sFu BiomEdical
Physiology & KinEsiology)
SECTION 1: SPINAL ANATOMY AND INJURIES (Questions 1-15)
**Question 1**
How many types of vertebrae are there in the human spine?
A) 3 types
B) 4 types
C) 5 types
D) 7 types
**Answer:** C) 5 types
**Rationale:** There are 5 distinct types of vertebrae in the spine: cervical (7), thoracic
(12), lumbar (5), sacral (5 fused), and coccyx (4 fused). Each type has unique structural
characteristics that enable specific functions and ranges of motion.
---
**Question 2**
Which ligaments connect the spinous processes of the vertebrae?
A) Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments
B) Interspinous and supraspinous ligaments
,C) Ligamenta flava
D) Intertransverse ligaments
**Answer:** B) Interspinous and supraspinous ligaments
**Rationale:** The interspinous ligaments connect adjacent spinous processes, while
the supraspinous ligament runs along the tips of the spinous processes from C7 to the
sacrum. The ligamenta flava connect laminae, and intertransverse ligaments connect
transverse processes.
---
**Question 3**
What type of capsule is contained within the joints of the spine?
A) Fibrous capsule
B) Synovial capsule
C) Serous capsule
D) Cartilaginous capsule
**Answer:** B) Synovial capsule
**Rationale:** The facet joints (zygapophyseal joints) of the spine are synovial joints
containing synovial fluid within a capsular membrane. This allows for smooth gliding
movements between adjacent vertebrae.
---
**Question 4**
Where do the intervertebral (IV) discs lie?
, A) Between spinous processes
B) Between transverse processes
C) Between vertebral bodies
D) Between laminae
**Answer:** C) Between vertebral bodies
**Rationale:** Intervertebral discs are located between adjacent vertebral bodies from
C2-C3 to L5-S1. They provide stability, cushioning, and shock absorption between the
vertebrae.
---
**Question 5**
What is the outer, tough layer of the intervertebral disc called?
A) Nucleus pulposus
B) Annulus fibrosus
C) Ligamentum flavum
D) Hyaline cartilage
**Answer:** B) Annulus fibrosus
**Rationale:** The annulus fibrosus is the tough, fibrocartilaginous outer layer of the
intervertebral disc that surrounds and contains the gel-like nucleus pulposus. It
provides structural integrity while allowing vertebral movement.
---
and BiomEchanics comPEtEncy assEssmEnt (sFu BiomEdical
Physiology & KinEsiology)
SECTION 1: SPINAL ANATOMY AND INJURIES (Questions 1-15)
**Question 1**
How many types of vertebrae are there in the human spine?
A) 3 types
B) 4 types
C) 5 types
D) 7 types
**Answer:** C) 5 types
**Rationale:** There are 5 distinct types of vertebrae in the spine: cervical (7), thoracic
(12), lumbar (5), sacral (5 fused), and coccyx (4 fused). Each type has unique structural
characteristics that enable specific functions and ranges of motion.
---
**Question 2**
Which ligaments connect the spinous processes of the vertebrae?
A) Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments
B) Interspinous and supraspinous ligaments
,C) Ligamenta flava
D) Intertransverse ligaments
**Answer:** B) Interspinous and supraspinous ligaments
**Rationale:** The interspinous ligaments connect adjacent spinous processes, while
the supraspinous ligament runs along the tips of the spinous processes from C7 to the
sacrum. The ligamenta flava connect laminae, and intertransverse ligaments connect
transverse processes.
---
**Question 3**
What type of capsule is contained within the joints of the spine?
A) Fibrous capsule
B) Synovial capsule
C) Serous capsule
D) Cartilaginous capsule
**Answer:** B) Synovial capsule
**Rationale:** The facet joints (zygapophyseal joints) of the spine are synovial joints
containing synovial fluid within a capsular membrane. This allows for smooth gliding
movements between adjacent vertebrae.
---
**Question 4**
Where do the intervertebral (IV) discs lie?
, A) Between spinous processes
B) Between transverse processes
C) Between vertebral bodies
D) Between laminae
**Answer:** C) Between vertebral bodies
**Rationale:** Intervertebral discs are located between adjacent vertebral bodies from
C2-C3 to L5-S1. They provide stability, cushioning, and shock absorption between the
vertebrae.
---
**Question 5**
What is the outer, tough layer of the intervertebral disc called?
A) Nucleus pulposus
B) Annulus fibrosus
C) Ligamentum flavum
D) Hyaline cartilage
**Answer:** B) Annulus fibrosus
**Rationale:** The annulus fibrosus is the tough, fibrocartilaginous outer layer of the
intervertebral disc that surrounds and contains the gel-like nucleus pulposus. It
provides structural integrity while allowing vertebral movement.
---
