Question: Identify the major weight bearing part of a vertebra.

Transverse process

Lamina

Vertebral foramen

Body

Answer: Body

Correct. The disk shaped bodies of vertebrae are stable and stackable. Most weight is distributed in this region.

Question: Name the vertebral projection found in a median plane.

Inferior articular process

Spinous process

Transverse process

Superior articular process

Answer: Spinous process

The spinous process extends posteriorly in a median plane. It serves as a site of muscle and ligament attachment.

Question: Individual vertebrae articulate with each other forming the vertebral column. Identify the part of a vertebra that articulates immediately with the vertebra below it.

Transverse processes

Spinous process

Inferior articular processes

Superior articular processes

Answer: Inferior articular processes

Correct. The inferior articular processes contact the superior articular process of the vertebra below it, forming a moveable synovial joint.

Question: Which of the following structures would not be found within a vertebral foramen?

Spinal cord

Intervertebral discs

Dura mater

Spinal nerve roots

Answer: Intervertebral discs

The intervertebral discs are located in between the vertebral bodies. They form a symphysis with the bodies and act as a shock absorber.

Question: Identify a lateral projection of a vertebra.

Lamina

Superior articular process

Transverse process

Spinous process

Answer: Transverse process

Correct. The transverse processes of a vertebra project laterally from the junction of the lamina and pedicle.

Question: What is the name of the first cervical vertebra?

Occipital condyles

Atlas

Superior articular process

Axis

Answer: Atlas

Correct. The atlas is essentially a ring of bone. Its structure is highly specialized to articulate with the skull.

Question: What is the name of the second cervical vertebra?

Axis

Dens

Atlas

Vertebra prominens

Answer: Axis

Correct. C2 is known as the axis. It has a bony projection called the odontoid process that articulates with C1. C1 can pivot around C2, allowing us to rotate our head/shake head “no”.

Question: Identify the articulation site that allows us to nod our head “yes”.

Atlas - axis

Occipital bone - axis

Occipital bone - C2

Occipital bone - atlas

Answer: Occipital bone - atlas

Correct. The padlike occipital condyles found on both sides of foramen magnum sit on top of the plate like superior articular processes of the atlas, forming the atlanto-occipital joint. The articular surfaces permit nodding of the head in a “yes” motion (flexion and extension).

Question: Identify the articulation site that allows us to rotate our head, e.g. shaking the head “no”.

Axis - C3

Occipital bone - atlas

Occipital bone - axis

Atlas - axis

Answer: Atlas - axis

Correct. The prominent projection known as dens on the axis forms a pivot joint with the atlas, allowing the atlas to rotate around the axis. The axis is a very sensible name for C2 since it serves as a central axis for rotation of the atlas.

Question: Identify the region of the skull that articulates with the atlas.

Foramen magnum

Occipital condyles

Superior articular facets

Mastoid processes

Answer: Occipital condyles

Correct. The occipital condyles found on both sides of foramen magnum sit on top of the atlas, forming the atlanto-occipital joint.