The back

Question 1

What are the primary actions of the trapezius?

Answer 1

Elevation, retraction, and upward rotation of the scapula

Question 2

What movement tests the upper trapezius?

Answer 2

Elevation (shoulder shrugging)

Question 3

What are the main actions of latissimus dorsi?

Answer 3

Shoulder extension, adduction, and medial rotation

Question 4

What type of movements use latissimus dorsi?

Answer 4

Pulling movements (pull-ups, rowing)

Question 5

Spinal Cord

Answer 5

• Part of the central nervous system (CNS)
• Made of nervous tissue
• Transmits signals between the brain and body
• Runs inside the vertebral column

Question 6

Where are the rhomboids located?

Answer 6

Between the vertebral column and scapula

Question 7

Another name for the spin?

Answer 7

Vertebral Column

Question 8

Spinal Cord vs. Vertebral Column

Answer 8

Spinal cord:
- Part of the central nervous system (CNS)
- Made of nervous tissue
- Transmits signals between the brain and body
- Runs inside the vertebral column
Vertebral column:
- Part of the skeletal system
- Made of bones (vertebrae) + intervertebral discs
- Protects the spinal cord
- Allows movement and posture

Question 9

Name the three columns of the erector spinae.

Answer 9

Iliocostalis, Longissimus, Spinalis

Question 10

Explain the spinal cord vs vertebral column using an analogy.

Answer 10

• Spinal cord = electrical cable
• Vertebral column = protective casing

Question 11

Why is confusing “spine” and “spinal cord” anatomically incorrect?

Answer 11

Because the spine (vertebrae) refers to bones, while the spinal cord is nervous tissue — they belong to different body systems.

Question 12

How many vertebrae are there in an adult?

Answer 12

Approximately 33 vertebrae.

Question 13

How many vertebrae are in each region?

Answer 13

• Cervical: 7
• Thoracic: 12
• Lumbar: 5
• Sacral: 5 (fused)
• Coccygeal: 3–5 (fused)

Question 14

What is the memory trick for vertebral numbers?

Answer 14

Breakfast at 7, lunch at 12, dinner at 5.

Question 15

Why are the sacral and coccygeal vertebrae fused?

Answer 15

Fusion provides stability, supports body weight, and limits movement where flexibility is not needed.

Question 16

Why can the vertebral column move?

Answer 16

Because movement occurs between individual vertebrae, and the combined movement creates flexibility.

Question 17

What is forward flexion?

Answer 17

Bending the spine forward (e.g., touching your toes).

Question 18

What is extension of the trunk?

Answer 18

Bending the spine backward.

Question 19

What is lateral flexion?

Answer 19

Side-to-side bending of the spine.

Question 20

What is rotation of the spine?

Answer 20

Twisting the vertebral column left or right.

Question 21

What is the vertebral body and its function?

Answer 21

The vertebral body is the weight-bearing portion of the vertebra.

Question 22

What are the pedicles?

Answer 22

Short bony bridges that connect the vertebral body to the vertebral arch.

Question 23

What are the laminae?

Answer 23

Flat plates of bone that form the roof of the vertebral arch.

Question 24

What structures form the vertebral arch?

Answer 24

The pedicles + laminae.

Question 25

What passes through the vertebral foramen?

Answer 25

The spinal cord.

Question 26

What is the function of the spinous and transverse processes?

Answer 26

Attachment sites for muscles and ligaments.

Question 27

What do superior and inferior articular facets do?

Answer 27

They form joints with adjacent vertebrae.

Question 28

What are vertebral notches and why are they important?

Answer 28

Notches form intervertebral foramina, allowing spinal nerves to exit.

Question 29

What is unique about C1 (Atlas)?

Answer 29

• No vertebral body • Supports the skull • Allows nodding “yes”

Question 30

What joint does C1 form and what movement does it allow?

Answer 30

Atlanto-occipital joint → flexion and extension.

Question 31

What is unique about C2 (Axis)?

Answer 31

It has a dens (odontoid process) that acts as a pivot.

Question 32

What movement occurs at the atlanto-axial joint?

Answer 32

Rotation of the head (“no”).

Question 33

Memory trick for Atlas vs Axis?

Answer 33

• Atlas holds the head • Axis rotates the head

Question 34

Key features of cervical vertebrae?

Answer 34

• Small, rectangular bodies • Transverse foramina • Bifid spinous processes • Allow movement in all directions

Question 35

Memory trick for Atlas vs Axis?

Answer 35

• Atlas holds the head • Axis rotates the head

Question 36

Key features of thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 36

• Heart-shaped bodies • Costal facets for ribs • Long spinous processes • Allow rotation and lateral flexion

Question 37

Key features of lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 37

• Large, kidney-shaped bodies • Short, hatchet-shaped spinous processes • Allow flexion and extension

Question 38

What trend occurs as you move down the spine?

Answer 38

Vertebrae become larger and stronger to support more weight.

Question 39

What type of joint connects vertebral bodies?

Answer 39

Secondary cartilaginous joints (symphyses).

Question 40

What are intervertebral discs made of?

Answer 40

• Annulus fibrosus (outer ring) • Nucleus pulposus (inner core)

Question 41

What is the function of intervertebral discs?

Answer 41

Allow movement and absorb shock.

Question 42

What are zygapophyseal (facet) joints?

Answer 42

Plane/gliding synovial joints between articular facets.

Question 43

Why is facet orientation important?

Answer 43

It determines which movements are allowed or restricted.

Question 44

Atlanto-occipital joint: type & movement?

Answer 44

Condyloid synovial joint → flexion/extension (“yes”).

Question 45

Atlanto-axial joint: type & movement?

Answer 45

Pivot synovial joint → rotation (“no”).

Question 46

What are the four normal spinal curvatures?

Answer 46

Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral.

Question 47

Which curvatures are primary vs secondary?

Answer 47

• Primary (kyphotic): thoracic, sacral • Secondary (lordotic): cervical, lumbar

Question 48

How do secondary curvatures develop?

Answer 48

As infants begin to lift the head, stand, and walk.

Question 49

What is kyphosis?

Answer 49

Excessive thoracic curvature (“hunchback”).

Question 50

What is lordosis?

Answer 50

Excessive lumbar curvature (“swayback”).

Question 51

What is scoliosis?

Answer 51

Abnormal lateral deviation of the spine.