Back nerves anatomy test

1. Which nerve innervates the suboccipital muscles?

• Greater occipital nerve

  The suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis) is the posterior branch of the first cervical spinal nerve (C1) and the motor nerve for the suboccipital muscle group.

• Suboccipital nerve

  The suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis) is the posterior branch of the first cervical spinal nerve (C1) and the motor nerve for the suboccipital muscle group.

• Lesser occipital nerve

  The suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis) is the posterior branch of the first cervical spinal nerve (C1) and the motor nerve for the suboccipital muscle group.

• Third occipital nerve

  The suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis) is the posterior branch of the first cervical spinal nerve (C1) and the motor nerve for the suboccipital muscle group.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis) is the posterior branch of the first cervical spinal nerve (C1) and the motor nerve for the suboccipital muscle group.

2. The posterior branch of which spinal nerve forms the greater occipital nerve (n. occipitalis major)?

• C2

  The greater occipital nerve is formed from the medial branch of the posterior branch of the second cervical spinal nerve (C2).

• C1

  The greater occipital nerve is formed from the medial branch of the posterior branch of the second cervical spinal nerve (C2).

• C3

  The greater occipital nerve is formed from the medial branch of the posterior branch of the second cervical spinal nerve (C2).

• C4

  The greater occipital nerve is formed from the medial branch of the posterior branch of the second cervical spinal nerve (C2).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The greater occipital nerve is formed from the medial branch of the posterior branch of the second cervical spinal nerve (C2).

3. What fibers do the posterior branches of the spinal nerves (rami posteriores nervorum spinalium) contain immediately after branching off?

• Only sensory

  The posterior branches, like the anterior ones, are mixed trunks and contain motor, sensory, and postganglionic sympathetic fibers.

• Only motor

  The posterior branches, like the anterior ones, are mixed trunks and contain motor, sensory, and postganglionic sympathetic fibers.

• Only autonomic

  The posterior branches, like the anterior ones, are mixed trunks and contain motor, sensory, and postganglionic sympathetic fibers.

• Mixed (motor, sensory, sympathetic)

  The posterior branches, like the anterior ones, are mixed trunks and contain motor, sensory, and postganglionic sympathetic fibers.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The posterior branches, like the anterior ones, are mixed trunks and contain motor, sensory, and postganglionic sympathetic fibers.

4. Which of the following back muscles is innervated by the posterior branches of the spinal nerves?

• Latissimus dorsi muscle

  The erector spinae muscle (m. erector spinae) is classified among the deep (autochthonous) muscles of the back and is innervated by the posterior branches of the spinal nerves.

• Trapezius muscle

  The erector spinae muscle (m. erector spinae) is classified among the deep (autochthonous) muscles of the back and is innervated by the posterior branches of the spinal nerves.

• Erector spinae

  The erector spinae muscle (m. erector spinae) is classified among the deep (autochthonous) muscles of the back and is innervated by the posterior branches of the spinal nerves.

• Rhomboid muscle

  The erector spinae muscle (m. erector spinae) is classified among the deep (autochthonous) muscles of the back and is innervated by the posterior branches of the spinal nerves.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The erector spinae muscle (m. erector spinae) is classified among the deep (autochthonous) muscles of the back and is innervated by the posterior branches of the spinal nerves.

5. Through which structure does the suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis) emerge on the posterior neck surface?

• Through the large occipital foramen

  The suboccipital nerve exits the spinal canal between the occipital bone and the posterior arch of the atlas, positioned beneath the vertebral artery.

• Between the posterior arch of the atlas and the vertebral artery

  The suboccipital nerve exits the spinal canal between the occipital bone and the posterior arch of the atlas, positioned beneath the vertebral artery.

• Between the atlas and the axis vertebra

  The suboccipital nerve exits the spinal canal between the occipital bone and the posterior arch of the atlas, positioned beneath the vertebral artery.

• Through the jugular foramen

  The suboccipital nerve exits the spinal canal between the occipital bone and the posterior arch of the atlas, positioned beneath the vertebral artery.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The suboccipital nerve exits the spinal canal between the occipital bone and the posterior arch of the atlas, positioned beneath the vertebral artery.

6. How are the cutaneous branches of the posterior branches of the thoracic spinal nerves distributed in the upper half of the thoracic region?

• The skin is innervated by lateral branches.

  In the upper half of the thorax (up to Th6 level), cutaneous branches originate from the medial branches of the posterior branches of the thoracic spinal nerves.

• The skin is innervated evenly by both branches.

  In the upper half of the thorax (up to Th6 level), cutaneous branches originate from the medial branches of the posterior branches of the thoracic spinal nerves.

• The skin is innervated by medial branches.

  In the upper half of the thorax (up to Th6 level), cutaneous branches originate from the medial branches of the posterior branches of the thoracic spinal nerves.

• In this area, the posterior branches have no cutaneous branches.

  In the upper half of the thorax (up to Th6 level), cutaneous branches originate from the medial branches of the posterior branches of the thoracic spinal nerves.

• I find it difficult to answer

  In the upper half of the thorax (up to Th6 level), cutaneous branches originate from the medial branches of the posterior branches of the thoracic spinal nerves.

7. From which spinal nerves do the posterior branches forming the superior clunial nerves (nn. clunium superiores) arise?

• L1-L3

  The superior clunial nerves are formed by the lateral branches of the posterior branches of the first three lumbar spinal nerves (L1-L3).

• Th10-Th12

  The superior clunial nerves are formed by the lateral branches of the posterior branches of the first three lumbar spinal nerves (L1-L3).

• S1-S3

  The superior clunial nerves are formed by the lateral branches of the posterior branches of the first three lumbar spinal nerves (L1-L3).

• L4-L5

  The superior clunial nerves are formed by the lateral branches of the posterior branches of the first three lumbar spinal nerves (L1-L3).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The superior clunial nerves are formed by the lateral branches of the posterior branches of the first three lumbar spinal nerves (L1-L3).

8. The medial branch of the posterior branch of the third cervical nerve (C3) is known in anatomy as:

• Lesser occipital nerve

  The third occipital nerve (n. occipitalis tertius) is a cutaneous branch stemming from the medial branch of the posterior branch of the spinal nerve C3.

• Greater occipital nerve

  The third occipital nerve (n. occipitalis tertius) is a cutaneous branch stemming from the medial branch of the posterior branch of the spinal nerve C3.

• Great auricular nerve

  The third occipital nerve (n. occipitalis tertius) is a cutaneous branch stemming from the medial branch of the posterior branch of the spinal nerve C3.

• Third occipital nerve

  The third occipital nerve (n. occipitalis tertius) is a cutaneous branch stemming from the medial branch of the posterior branch of the spinal nerve C3.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The third occipital nerve (n. occipitalis tertius) is a cutaneous branch stemming from the medial branch of the posterior branch of the spinal nerve C3.

9. What nerves arise from the posterior branches of the sacral spinal nerves (S1-S3)?

• Middle clunial nerves

  The middle clunial nerves (nn. clunium medii) arise from the posterior branches of the sacral nerves (S1-S3) and innervate the skin of the sacral and gluteal regions.

• Superior clunial nerves

  The middle clunial nerves (nn. clunium medii) arise from the posterior branches of the sacral nerves (S1-S3) and innervate the skin of the sacral and gluteal regions.

• Inferior clunial nerves

  The middle clunial nerves (nn. clunium medii) arise from the posterior branches of the sacral nerves (S1-S3) and innervate the skin of the sacral and gluteal regions.

• Pudendal nerves

  The middle clunial nerves (nn. clunium medii) arise from the posterior branches of the sacral nerves (S1-S3) and innervate the skin of the sacral and gluteal regions.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The middle clunial nerves (nn. clunium medii) arise from the posterior branches of the sacral nerves (S1-S3) and innervate the skin of the sacral and gluteal regions.

10. Which posterior branch of a spinal nerve typically lacks a cutaneous sensory branch?

• C2

  The suboccipital nerve (posterior branch of C1) is usually exclusively a motor nerve and does not provide branches to the occipital skin.

• C1

  The suboccipital nerve (posterior branch of C1) is usually exclusively a motor nerve and does not provide branches to the occipital skin.

• C3

  The suboccipital nerve (posterior branch of C1) is usually exclusively a motor nerve and does not provide branches to the occipital skin.

• Th1

  The suboccipital nerve (posterior branch of C1) is usually exclusively a motor nerve and does not provide branches to the occipital skin.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The suboccipital nerve (posterior branch of C1) is usually exclusively a motor nerve and does not provide branches to the occipital skin.

11. Which joints are innervated by the medial branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves?

• Intervertebral symphyses (discs)

  The medial branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves provide sensory innervation to the capsules of the zygapophyseal (facet) joints of the spine.

• Costotransverse joints

  The medial branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves provide sensory innervation to the capsules of the zygapophyseal (facet) joints of the spine.

• Zygapophyseal (facet) joints

  The medial branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves provide sensory innervation to the capsules of the zygapophyseal (facet) joints of the spine.

• Sacroiliac joints

  The medial branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves provide sensory innervation to the capsules of the zygapophyseal (facet) joints of the spine.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The medial branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves provide sensory innervation to the capsules of the zygapophyseal (facet) joints of the spine.

12. The innervation of the multifidus muscle (m. multifidus) is provided by:

• Lateral branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves

  The multifidus muscle of the back is innervated segmentally, exclusively by the medial branches of the posterior branches of the corresponding spinal nerves.

• Anterior branches of the spinal nerves

  The multifidus muscle of the back is innervated segmentally, exclusively by the medial branches of the posterior branches of the corresponding spinal nerves.

• Intercostal nerves

  The multifidus muscle of the back is innervated segmentally, exclusively by the medial branches of the posterior branches of the corresponding spinal nerves.

• Medial branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves

  The multifidus muscle of the back is innervated segmentally, exclusively by the medial branches of the posterior branches of the corresponding spinal nerves.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The multifidus muscle of the back is innervated segmentally, exclusively by the medial branches of the posterior branches of the corresponding spinal nerves.

13. From which source do the inferior clunial nerves (nn. clunium inferiores) originate, in contrast to the superior and middle ones?

• From the posterior branches of the coccygeal nerves

  In contrast to the nn. clunium superiores and medii, formed by posterior branches, the inferior clunial nerves originate from the sacral plexus (from anterior branches) as part of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.

• From the sacral plexus (branches of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve)

  In contrast to the nn. clunium superiores and medii, formed by posterior branches, the inferior clunial nerves originate from the sacral plexus (from anterior branches) as part of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.

• From the lumbar plexus

  In contrast to the nn. clunium superiores and medii, formed by posterior branches, the inferior clunial nerves originate from the sacral plexus (from anterior branches) as part of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.

• From the pudendal plexus

  In contrast to the nn. clunium superiores and medii, formed by posterior branches, the inferior clunial nerves originate from the sacral plexus (from anterior branches) as part of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.

• I find it difficult to answer

  In contrast to the nn. clunium superiores and medii, formed by posterior branches, the inferior clunial nerves originate from the sacral plexus (from anterior branches) as part of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.

14. Where are the lumbar nerves' posterior branches topographically located after exiting the intervertebral foramen?

• They pass through the psoas major muscle

  The posterior branches of the lumbar nerves project backward, passing between the transverse processes of the vertebrae into the thickness of the deep back muscles.

• They descend along the anterior surface of the sacrum

  The posterior branches of the lumbar nerves project backward, passing between the transverse processes of the vertebrae into the thickness of the deep back muscles.

• They project backwards between the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae

  The posterior branches of the lumbar nerves project backward, passing between the transverse processes of the vertebrae into the thickness of the deep back muscles.

• They run parallel to the sympathetic trunk

  The posterior branches of the lumbar nerves project backward, passing between the transverse processes of the vertebrae into the thickness of the deep back muscles.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The posterior branches of the lumbar nerves project backward, passing between the transverse processes of the vertebrae into the thickness of the deep back muscles.

15. Which muscle below is innervated by the suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis)?

• Rectus posterior major capitis muscle

  The major posterior rectus capitis (m. rectus capitis posterior major) is part of the suboccipital muscle group and receives motor innervation from n. suboccipitalis.

• Longissimus capitis muscle

  The major posterior rectus capitis (m. rectus capitis posterior major) is part of the suboccipital muscle group and receives motor innervation from n. suboccipitalis.

• Splenius capitis muscle

  The major posterior rectus capitis (m. rectus capitis posterior major) is part of the suboccipital muscle group and receives motor innervation from n. suboccipitalis.

• Semispinalis capitis muscle

  The major posterior rectus capitis (m. rectus capitis posterior major) is part of the suboccipital muscle group and receives motor innervation from n. suboccipitalis.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The major posterior rectus capitis (m. rectus capitis posterior major) is part of the suboccipital muscle group and receives motor innervation from n. suboccipitalis.

16. Which muscle serves as a landmark for locating the greater occipital nerve (n. occipitalis major) upon its emergence into the subcutaneous tissue?

• Sternocleidomastoid muscle (emerges from beneath the posterior edge)

  The greater occipital nerve pierces the semispinalis capitis muscle and the tendon of the trapezius muscle near the superior nuchal line to emerge under the skin.

• Trapezius muscle (pierces its tendon)

  The greater occipital nerve pierces the semispinalis capitis muscle and the tendon of the trapezius muscle near the superior nuchal line to emerge under the skin.

• Digastric muscle (passes over the posterior belly)

  The greater occipital nerve pierces the semispinalis capitis muscle and the tendon of the trapezius muscle near the superior nuchal line to emerge under the skin.

• Splenius cervicis muscle (passage lateral to it)

  The greater occipital nerve pierces the semispinalis capitis muscle and the tendon of the trapezius muscle near the superior nuchal line to emerge under the skin.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The greater occipital nerve pierces the semispinalis capitis muscle and the tendon of the trapezius muscle near the superior nuchal line to emerge under the skin.

17. Which nerve branch innervates the iliocostalis muscle (m. iliocostalis)?

• Medial branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves

  The iliocostalis muscle is positioned laterally in the muscle tract of the deep back muscles and is innervated by the lateral branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves.

• Intercostal nerves

  The iliocostalis muscle is positioned laterally in the muscle tract of the deep back muscles and is innervated by the lateral branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves.

• Lateral branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves

  The iliocostalis muscle is positioned laterally in the muscle tract of the deep back muscles and is innervated by the lateral branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves.

• Subcostal nerve

  The iliocostalis muscle is positioned laterally in the muscle tract of the deep back muscles and is innervated by the lateral branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The iliocostalis muscle is positioned laterally in the muscle tract of the deep back muscles and is innervated by the lateral branches of the posterior branches of the spinal nerves.

18. Which branch of the first thoracic spinal nerve (Th1) innervates the skin of the back?

• Lateral cutaneous branch

  In the upper thoracic region, cutaneous branches are specifically formed from the medial branches of the posterior spinal nerves, including Th1.

• Medial branch of the posterior branch

  In the upper thoracic region, cutaneous branches are specifically formed from the medial branches of the posterior spinal nerves, including Th1.

• Anterior cutaneous branch

  In the upper thoracic region, cutaneous branches are specifically formed from the medial branches of the posterior spinal nerves, including Th1.

• The posterior branch of Th1 does not have cutaneous branches

  In the upper thoracic region, cutaneous branches are specifically formed from the medial branches of the posterior spinal nerves, including Th1.

• I find it difficult to answer

  In the upper thoracic region, cutaneous branches are specifically formed from the medial branches of the posterior spinal nerves, including Th1.

19. Which structure serves as the egress for the posterior branches of the sacral nerves (rami posteriores nervorum sacralium) from the sacrum?

• Exit through the anterior sacral foramina

  The posterior branches of the sacral spinal nerves (S1-S4) exit the sacral canal through the dorsal (posterior) sacral foramina (foramina sacralia posteriora).

• Pass through the sacral hiatus

  The posterior branches of the sacral spinal nerves (S1-S4) exit the sacral canal through the dorsal (posterior) sacral foramina (foramina sacralia posteriora).

• Form the sacral plexus on the piriformis muscle

  The posterior branches of the sacral spinal nerves (S1-S4) exit the sacral canal through the dorsal (posterior) sacral foramina (foramina sacralia posteriora).

• Exit through the posterior (dorsal) sacral foramina

  The posterior branches of the sacral spinal nerves (S1-S4) exit the sacral canal through the dorsal (posterior) sacral foramina (foramina sacralia posteriora).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The posterior branches of the sacral spinal nerves (S1-S4) exit the sacral canal through the dorsal (posterior) sacral foramina (foramina sacralia posteriora).

20. The posterior branch of the coccygeal nerve (n. coccygeus) is topographically characterized by:

• It connects with the posterior branches of S4-S5 and innervates the skin in the coccygeal region

  The posterior branch of the coccygeal nerve connects with the posterior branches of S4 and S5, forming a small plexus that gives rise to the cutaneous anococcygeal nerves (nn. anococcygei).

• Innervates the muscle raising the anus

  The posterior branch of the coccygeal nerve connects with the posterior branches of S4 and S5, forming a small plexus that gives rise to the cutaneous anococcygeal nerves (nn. anococcygei).

• Passes through the obturator foramen

  The posterior branch of the coccygeal nerve connects with the posterior branches of S4 and S5, forming a small plexus that gives rise to the cutaneous anococcygeal nerves (nn. anococcygei).

• Forms an unpaired ganglion

  The posterior branch of the coccygeal nerve connects with the posterior branches of S4 and S5, forming a small plexus that gives rise to the cutaneous anococcygeal nerves (nn. anococcygei).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The posterior branch of the coccygeal nerve connects with the posterior branches of S4 and S5, forming a small plexus that gives rise to the cutaneous anococcygeal nerves (nn. anococcygei).