Anatomy quizzes

Back anatomy test

Evaluate your knowledge of back anatomy. The test assesses muscle topography, bony landmarks, ligamentous structures, blood supply, and innervation.

1/20

1. Which vertebra has the most prominent spinous process easily palpable at the base of the neck (vertebra prominens)?

Fifth cervical vertebra (C5)

The seventh cervical vertebra (vertebra prominens) is distinguished by a long and non-bifurcated spinous process, which is easily palpable under the skin.
Sixth cervical vertebra (C6)

The seventh cervical vertebra (vertebra prominens) is distinguished by a long and non-bifurcated spinous process, which is easily palpable under the skin.
Seventh cervical vertebra (C7)

The seventh cervical vertebra (vertebra prominens) is distinguished by a long and non-bifurcated spinous process, which is easily palpable under the skin.
First thoracic vertebra (T1)

The seventh cervical vertebra (vertebra prominens) is distinguished by a long and non-bifurcated spinous process, which is easily palpable under the skin.
I find it difficult to answer

The seventh cervical vertebra (vertebra prominens) is distinguished by a long and non-bifurcated spinous process, which is easily palpable under the skin.

2. Where does the tendon of the latissimus dorsi muscle attach?

Crest of the greater tubercle of the humerus

The tendon of the latissimus dorsi attaches to the crest of the lesser tubercle of the humerus (crista tuberculi minoris humeri).
Crest of the lesser tubercle of the humerus

The tendon of the latissimus dorsi attaches to the crest of the lesser tubercle of the humerus (crista tuberculi minoris humeri).
Spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae

The tendon of the latissimus dorsi attaches to the crest of the lesser tubercle of the humerus (crista tuberculi minoris humeri).
Inferior angle of the scapula

The tendon of the latissimus dorsi attaches to the crest of the lesser tubercle of the humerus (crista tuberculi minoris humeri).
I find it difficult to answer

The tendon of the latissimus dorsi attaches to the crest of the lesser tubercle of the humerus (crista tuberculi minoris humeri).

3. What structures form the borders of the triangle of auscultation (trigonum auscultationis)?

Trapezius, latissimus dorsi, medial border of the scapula

The triangle of auscultation is bounded inferiorly by the latissimus dorsi, medially by the trapezius, and laterally by the medial border of the scapula.
Rhomboid major, latissimus dorsi, inferior scapular border

The triangle of auscultation is bounded inferiorly by the latissimus dorsi, medially by the trapezius, and laterally by the medial border of the scapula.
Trapezius muscle, external oblique muscle, iliac crest

The triangle of auscultation is bounded inferiorly by the latissimus dorsi, medially by the trapezius, and laterally by the medial border of the scapula.
Erector spinae muscle, twelfth rib, serratus posterior inferior

The triangle of auscultation is bounded inferiorly by the latissimus dorsi, medially by the trapezius, and laterally by the medial border of the scapula.
I find it difficult to answer

The triangle of auscultation is bounded inferiorly by the latissimus dorsi, medially by the trapezius, and laterally by the medial border of the scapula.

4. Which nerve provides motor innervation to the trapezius muscle?

Subscapular nerve (n. subscapularis)

Motor innervation of the trapezius muscle is via the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI).
Thoracodorsal nerve (n. thoracodorsalis)

Motor innervation of the trapezius muscle is via the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI).
Dorsal scapular nerve (n. dorsalis scapulae)

Motor innervation of the trapezius muscle is via the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI).
Accessory nerve (n. accessorius)

Motor innervation of the trapezius muscle is via the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI).
I find it difficult to answer

Motor innervation of the trapezius muscle is via the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI).

5. To which type of joints based on the shape of articular surfaces do zygapophyseal joints (articulationes zygapophysiales) belong?

Hinge joints

Zygapophyseal joints are formed by the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae and are planar in the shape of their articular surfaces (articulationes planae).
Ellipsoid joints

Zygapophyseal joints are formed by the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae and are planar in the shape of their articular surfaces (articulationes planae).
Saddle joints

Zygapophyseal joints are formed by the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae and are planar in the shape of their articular surfaces (articulationes planae).
Planar joints

Zygapophyseal joints are formed by the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae and are planar in the shape of their articular surfaces (articulationes planae).
I find it difficult to answer

Zygapophyseal joints are formed by the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae and are planar in the shape of their articular surfaces (articulationes planae).

6. Which anatomical feature is a specific distinguishing characteristic of thoracic vertebrae?

Costal facets on the vertebral body

The presence of superior and inferior costal facets (foveae costales) on the vertebral body for articulation with rib heads is specific to thoracic vertebrae.
Foramen in the transverse process

The presence of superior and inferior costal facets (foveae costales) on the vertebral body for articulation with rib heads is specific to thoracic vertebrae.
Mammillary processes

The presence of superior and inferior costal facets (foveae costales) on the vertebral body for articulation with rib heads is specific to thoracic vertebrae.
Bifid spinous process

The presence of superior and inferior costal facets (foveae costales) on the vertebral body for articulation with rib heads is specific to thoracic vertebrae.
I find it difficult to answer

The presence of superior and inferior costal facets (foveae costales) on the vertebral body for articulation with rib heads is specific to thoracic vertebrae.

7. From which arteries do the deep back muscles primarily receive their blood supply in the thoracic region?

Dorsal branches of the posterior intercostal arteries

The deep back muscles receive their blood supply primarily from the dorsal branches (rami dorsales) of the segmental arteries, specifically the posterior intercostal arteries in the thoracic region.
Lateral thoracic arteries

The deep back muscles receive their blood supply primarily from the dorsal branches (rami dorsales) of the segmental arteries, specifically the posterior intercostal arteries in the thoracic region.
Superior and inferior epigastric arteries

The deep back muscles receive their blood supply primarily from the dorsal branches (rami dorsales) of the segmental arteries, specifically the posterior intercostal arteries in the thoracic region.
Thoracoacromial artery

The deep back muscles receive their blood supply primarily from the dorsal branches (rami dorsales) of the segmental arteries, specifically the posterior intercostal arteries in the thoracic region.
I find it difficult to answer

The deep back muscles receive their blood supply primarily from the dorsal branches (rami dorsales) of the segmental arteries, specifically the posterior intercostal arteries in the thoracic region.

8. Which three tracts compose the muscle known as the erector spinae (m. erector spinae)?

Splenius capitis, splenius cervicis, semispinalis

The erector spinae muscle consists of three tracts: lateral (iliocostalis muscle), intermediate (longissimus muscle), and medial (spinalis muscle).
Multifidus muscles, rotatores muscles, interspinales muscles

The erector spinae muscle consists of three tracts: lateral (iliocostalis muscle), intermediate (longissimus muscle), and medial (spinalis muscle).
Iliocostalis muscle, longissimus muscle, spinalis muscle

The erector spinae muscle consists of three tracts: lateral (iliocostalis muscle), intermediate (longissimus muscle), and medial (spinalis muscle).
Serratus posterior superior, serratus posterior inferior, quadratus lumborum

The erector spinae muscle consists of three tracts: lateral (iliocostalis muscle), intermediate (longissimus muscle), and medial (spinalis muscle).
I find it difficult to answer

The erector spinae muscle consists of three tracts: lateral (iliocostalis muscle), intermediate (longissimus muscle), and medial (spinalis muscle).

9. Which anatomical structure does the ligamentum flavum connect?

Spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae

The ligamenta flava are located between the arches of adjacent vertebrae, closing the vertebral canal posteriorly and laterally.
Apices of spinous processes

The ligamenta flava are located between the arches of adjacent vertebrae, closing the vertebral canal posteriorly and laterally.
Transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae

The ligamenta flava are located between the arches of adjacent vertebrae, closing the vertebral canal posteriorly and laterally.
Arches of adjacent vertebrae

The ligamenta flava are located between the arches of adjacent vertebrae, closing the vertebral canal posteriorly and laterally.
I find it difficult to answer

The ligamenta flava are located between the arches of adjacent vertebrae, closing the vertebral canal posteriorly and laterally.

10. Where is the promontory of the pelvis located?

On the anterior surface of the sacrum at the junction of S2 and S3

The promontory is the anteriorly projecting edge of the body of the fifth lumbar vertebra and the base of the sacrum.
At the junction of the fifth lumbar vertebra with the base of the sacrum

The promontory is the anteriorly projecting edge of the body of the fifth lumbar vertebra and the base of the sacrum.
At the apex of the sacrum where it articulates with the coccyx

The promontory is the anteriorly projecting edge of the body of the fifth lumbar vertebra and the base of the sacrum.
On the iliac crest where abdominal muscles attach

The promontory is the anteriorly projecting edge of the body of the fifth lumbar vertebra and the base of the sacrum.
I find it difficult to answer

The promontory is the anteriorly projecting edge of the body of the fifth lumbar vertebra and the base of the sacrum.

11. Which veins form the main pathways of venous drainage directly from the vertebrae and spinal cord?

Superior and inferior vena cava

Venous drainage from the vertebral column and spinal cord is conducted through dense internal and external vertebral venous plexuses (plexus venosi vertebrales).
Azygos and hemiazygos veins

Venous drainage from the vertebral column and spinal cord is conducted through dense internal and external vertebral venous plexuses (plexus venosi vertebrales).
Internal and external vertebral venous plexuses

Venous drainage from the vertebral column and spinal cord is conducted through dense internal and external vertebral venous plexuses (plexus venosi vertebrales).
Posterior intercostal veins

Venous drainage from the vertebral column and spinal cord is conducted through dense internal and external vertebral venous plexuses (plexus venosi vertebrales).
I find it difficult to answer

Venous drainage from the vertebral column and spinal cord is conducted through dense internal and external vertebral venous plexuses (plexus venosi vertebrales).

12. What are the boundaries of the lumbar triangle (Triangle of Petit)?

Latissimus dorsi, external oblique muscle, iliac crest

The lumbar triangle (trigonum lumbale) is bounded anteriorly by the external oblique muscle, posteriorly by the latissimus dorsi, and inferiorly by the iliac crest.
Trapezius, latissimus dorsi, medial border of the scapula

The lumbar triangle (trigonum lumbale) is bounded anteriorly by the external oblique muscle, posteriorly by the latissimus dorsi, and inferiorly by the iliac crest.
Rhomboid major, levator scapulae, superior border of the scapula

The lumbar triangle (trigonum lumbale) is bounded anteriorly by the external oblique muscle, posteriorly by the latissimus dorsi, and inferiorly by the iliac crest.
Quadratus lumborum, erector spinae muscle, twelfth rib

The lumbar triangle (trigonum lumbale) is bounded anteriorly by the external oblique muscle, posteriorly by the latissimus dorsi, and inferiorly by the iliac crest.
I find it difficult to answer

The lumbar triangle (trigonum lumbale) is bounded anteriorly by the external oblique muscle, posteriorly by the latissimus dorsi, and inferiorly by the iliac crest.

13. Which nerve provides innervation to the latissimus dorsi muscle?

Subscapular nerve

The latissimus dorsi muscle is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve (n. thoracodorsalis), originating from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus.
Long thoracic nerve

The latissimus dorsi muscle is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve (n. thoracodorsalis), originating from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus.
Medial pectoral nerve

The latissimus dorsi muscle is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve (n. thoracodorsalis), originating from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus.
Thoracodorsal nerve

The latissimus dorsi muscle is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve (n. thoracodorsalis), originating from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus.
I find it difficult to answer

The latissimus dorsi muscle is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve (n. thoracodorsalis), originating from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus.

14. What passes through the foramen in the transverse process (foramen processus transversi) of cervical vertebrae?

Spinal nerve

Through the foramina of the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae (from C6 to C1) pass the vertebral artery (a. vertebralis) and the same-named vein.
Vertebral artery and vein

Through the foramina of the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae (from C6 to C1) pass the vertebral artery (a. vertebralis) and the same-named vein.
Internal carotid artery and jugular vein

Through the foramina of the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae (from C6 to C1) pass the vertebral artery (a. vertebralis) and the same-named vein.
Sympathetic trunk

Through the foramina of the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae (from C6 to C1) pass the vertebral artery (a. vertebralis) and the same-named vein.
I find it difficult to answer

Through the foramina of the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae (from C6 to C1) pass the vertebral artery (a. vertebralis) and the same-named vein.

15. Where does the rhomboid major muscle (m. rhomboideus major) originate?

Spinous processes of C6-C7 vertebrae

The rhomboid major muscle originates from the spinous processes of the second to the fifth thoracic vertebrae and attaches to the medial border of the scapula.
Nuchal ligament

The rhomboid major muscle originates from the spinous processes of the second to the fifth thoracic vertebrae and attaches to the medial border of the scapula.
Spinous processes of Th2-Th5 vertebrae

The rhomboid major muscle originates from the spinous processes of the second to the fifth thoracic vertebrae and attaches to the medial border of the scapula.
Transverse processes of Th1-Th4 vertebrae

The rhomboid major muscle originates from the spinous processes of the second to the fifth thoracic vertebrae and attaches to the medial border of the scapula.
I find it difficult to answer

The rhomboid major muscle originates from the spinous processes of the second to the fifth thoracic vertebrae and attaches to the medial border of the scapula.

16. Which ligament prevents excessive extension of the vertebral column?

Anterior longitudinal ligament

The anterior longitudinal ligament (lig. longitudinale anterius) runs along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies and restricts extension of the vertebral column.
Posterior longitudinal ligament

The anterior longitudinal ligament (lig. longitudinale anterius) runs along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies and restricts extension of the vertebral column.
Interspinal ligament

The anterior longitudinal ligament (lig. longitudinale anterius) runs along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies and restricts extension of the vertebral column.
Supraspinal ligament

The anterior longitudinal ligament (lig. longitudinale anterius) runs along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies and restricts extension of the vertebral column.
I find it difficult to answer

The anterior longitudinal ligament (lig. longitudinale anterius) runs along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies and restricts extension of the vertebral column.

17. Where is the sacral hiatus (hiatus sacralis) located and what are its boundaries?

On the pelvic surface of the sacrum, bounded by the sacral foramina

The sacral hiatus is the exit opening of the sacral canal on the dorsal surface, laterally bounded by the sacral cornua (cornua sacralia).
Between the lateral mass of the sacrum and the iliac bone

The sacral hiatus is the exit opening of the sacral canal on the dorsal surface, laterally bounded by the sacral cornua (cornua sacralia).
In the area of the sacral base, bounded by articular processes

The sacral hiatus is the exit opening of the sacral canal on the dorsal surface, laterally bounded by the sacral cornua (cornua sacralia).
On the dorsal surface of the sacrum below, bounded by the sacral horns

The sacral hiatus is the exit opening of the sacral canal on the dorsal surface, laterally bounded by the sacral cornua (cornua sacralia).
I find it difficult to answer

The sacral hiatus is the exit opening of the sacral canal on the dorsal surface, laterally bounded by the sacral cornua (cornua sacralia).

18. To which layer of back muscles does the levator scapulae muscle belong?

Superficial layer, first group

The levator scapulae muscle, along with the rhomboid muscles, belongs to the second group of superficial back muscles, lying beneath the trapezius muscle.
Superficial layer, second group

The levator scapulae muscle, along with the rhomboid muscles, belongs to the second group of superficial back muscles, lying beneath the trapezius muscle.
Deep layer, superficial tract

The levator scapulae muscle, along with the rhomboid muscles, belongs to the second group of superficial back muscles, lying beneath the trapezius muscle.
Deep layer, deep tract

The levator scapulae muscle, along with the rhomboid muscles, belongs to the second group of superficial back muscles, lying beneath the trapezius muscle.
I find it difficult to answer

The levator scapulae muscle, along with the rhomboid muscles, belongs to the second group of superficial back muscles, lying beneath the trapezius muscle.

19. What structure is innervated by the suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis)?

Muscles of the suboccipital group

The suboccipital nerve (posterior branch of C1) is exclusively motor and innervates the muscles of the suboccipital triangle.
Skin of the occipital region

The suboccipital nerve (posterior branch of C1) is exclusively motor and innervates the muscles of the suboccipital triangle.
Trapezius muscle

The suboccipital nerve (posterior branch of C1) is exclusively motor and innervates the muscles of the suboccipital triangle.
Semispinalis capitis muscle

The suboccipital nerve (posterior branch of C1) is exclusively motor and innervates the muscles of the suboccipital triangle.
I find it difficult to answer

The suboccipital nerve (posterior branch of C1) is exclusively motor and innervates the muscles of the suboccipital triangle.

20. Which articular surfaces do the occipital condyles articulate with to form the atlantooccipital joint?

With the dens of the axis

The occipital condyles articulate with the superior articular facets (foveae articulares superiores) of the atlas, forming the ellipsoid atlantooccipital joint.
With the superior articular facets of the atlas

The occipital condyles articulate with the superior articular facets (foveae articulares superiores) of the atlas, forming the ellipsoid atlantooccipital joint.
With the inferior articular facets of the atlas

The occipital condyles articulate with the superior articular facets (foveae articulares superiores) of the atlas, forming the ellipsoid atlantooccipital joint.
With the anterior arch of the atlas

The occipital condyles articulate with the superior articular facets (foveae articulares superiores) of the atlas, forming the ellipsoid atlantooccipital joint.
I find it difficult to answer

The occipital condyles articulate with the superior articular facets (foveae articulares superiores) of the atlas, forming the ellipsoid atlantooccipital joint.