Question 1

Which structure anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx at its inferior end?

Accepted Answer

Filum terminale

Question 2

A patient presents with loss of pain and temperature sensation below the waist. Which white matter tract is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Spinothalamic tract

Question 3

During a lumbar puncture, cerebrospinal fluid is collected from the central canal. Which function does this fluid NOT serve?

Accepted Answer

Initiating motor impulses

Question 4

Which vertebral region contains vertebrae with transverse foramina, and what is their primary function?

Accepted Answer

Cervical; passage for vertebral artery and vein

Question 5

A patient with excessive lumbar curvature is diagnosed with lordosis. Which of the following is NOT a typical cause?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis

Question 6

Which muscle is the primary muscle of inspiration, and what happens when it contracts?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm; thoracic cavity enlarges and air enters lungs

Question 7

Which nerve innervates the deltoid muscle, and what is its main action?

Accepted Answer

Axillary nerve; abducts shoulder

Question 8

A patient is unable to retract (adduct) their scapula. Which muscle group is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Rhomboids

Question 9

Which spinal disorder is characterized by a lateral curvature of the vertebral column and is most common in females?

Accepted Answer

Scoliosis

Question 10

Which structure contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons in the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal root ganglion

Question 11

Which muscle is NOT part of the erector spinae group?

Accepted Answer

Quadratus lumborum

Question 12

A patient with a tear in the pectoralis major muscle would most likely have difficulty with which movement?

Accepted Answer

Flexing the shoulder

Question 13

Which rib type attaches directly to the sternum via costal cartilage?

Accepted Answer

True ribs (1–7)

Question 14

Which vertebral structure forms the vertebral arch and contributes to the vertebral foramen?

Accepted Answer

Pedicle and lamina

Question 15

Which muscle is responsible for protracting the scapula, allowing a boxer to punch forward?

Accepted Answer

Serratus anterior

Question 16

Which division of the autonomic nervous system originates from the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord and is responsible for 'fight or flight' responses?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic

Question 17

A patient with a severe form of spina bifida has both the spinal cord and meninges protruding through the vertebral column. Which type is this?

Accepted Answer

Meningomyelocele

Question 18

Which muscle group is primarily responsible for extending the vertebral column and maintaining posture?

Accepted Answer

Erector spinae

Question 19

Which anatomical landmark is located between the manubrium and the body of the sternum and is clinically important for rib counting?

Accepted Answer

Sternal angle

Question 20

Which equation best represents the relationship between the number of vertebrae in each region and the total number of bones in the vertebral column?

Accepted Answer

$$7 + 12 + 5 + 1 + 1 = 26$$

Central Nervous System, Thoracic Cage, Vertebral Column, and Associated Muscles: Structured Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards