Anatomy quizzes

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Joints of vertebral column

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By topic

Atlantoaxial joints (median and lateral)

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Cartilaginous joints (synchondroses) of the vertebral column

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Fibrous joints of the vertebral column

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Joints of thoracolumbar vertebral column

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Ligamenta flava

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Synovial joints of vertebral column

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Uncovertebral joints

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Zygapophyseal joints

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3D model

Vertebral column joints anatomy quiz

The quiz covers the structure, classification, and biomechanics of joints of the vertebral column.

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1. Which anatomical structure connects the bodies of adjacent vertebrae?

Articular process outgrowth

The bodies of adjacent vertebrae are connected by intervertebral discs (discus intervertebralis), which belong to continuous cartilaginous joints.
Yellow ligament (ligamentum flavum)

The bodies of adjacent vertebrae are connected by intervertebral discs (discus intervertebralis), which belong to continuous cartilaginous joints.
Intervertebral disc (discus intervertebralis)

The bodies of adjacent vertebrae are connected by intervertebral discs (discus intervertebralis), which belong to continuous cartilaginous joints.
Interspinous ligament (ligamentum interspinale)

The bodies of adjacent vertebrae are connected by intervertebral discs (discus intervertebralis), which belong to continuous cartilaginous joints.
I find it difficult to answer

The bodies of adjacent vertebrae are connected by intervertebral discs (discus intervertebralis), which belong to continuous cartilaginous joints.

2. Which ligament runs along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies throughout the vertebral column?

Ligamentum supraspinale

The anterior longitudinal ligament extends from the cranial base to the sacrum, firmly fused with the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs.
Anterior longitudinal ligament (ligamentum longitudinale anterius)

The anterior longitudinal ligament extends from the cranial base to the sacrum, firmly fused with the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs.
Posterior longitudinal ligament (ligamentum longitudinale posterius)

The anterior longitudinal ligament extends from the cranial base to the sacrum, firmly fused with the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs.
Ligamentum nuchae

The anterior longitudinal ligament extends from the cranial base to the sacrum, firmly fused with the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs.
I find it difficult to answer

The anterior longitudinal ligament extends from the cranial base to the sacrum, firmly fused with the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs.

3. Ligamenta flava connect:

Spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae

Ligamenta flava (yellow ligaments) are stretched between the laminae of adjacent vertebrae; they are rich in elastic fibers and limit excessive flexion of the spine.
Transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae

Ligamenta flava (yellow ligaments) are stretched between the laminae of adjacent vertebrae; they are rich in elastic fibers and limit excessive flexion of the spine.
Arches of adjacent vertebrae

Ligamenta flava (yellow ligaments) are stretched between the laminae of adjacent vertebrae; they are rich in elastic fibers and limit excessive flexion of the spine.
Articular processes of adjacent vertebrae

Ligamenta flava (yellow ligaments) are stretched between the laminae of adjacent vertebrae; they are rich in elastic fibers and limit excessive flexion of the spine.
I find it difficult to answer

Ligamenta flava (yellow ligaments) are stretched between the laminae of adjacent vertebrae; they are rich in elastic fibers and limit excessive flexion of the spine.

4. What is the name of the joint formed between the inferior and superior articular processes of adjacent vertebrae?

Atlantooccipital joint (articulatio atlantooccipitalis)

The joints between the articular processes of vertebrae are called zygapophyseal joints (articulationes zygapophysiales).
Zygapophyseal joint (articulatio zygapophysialis)

The joints between the articular processes of vertebrae are called zygapophyseal joints (articulationes zygapophysiales).
Costovertebral joint (articulatio costovertebralis)

The joints between the articular processes of vertebrae are called zygapophyseal joints (articulationes zygapophysiales).
Lumbosacral joint (articulatio lumbosacralis)

The joints between the articular processes of vertebrae are called zygapophyseal joints (articulationes zygapophysiales).
I find it difficult to answer

The joints between the articular processes of vertebrae are called zygapophyseal joints (articulationes zygapophysiales).

5. Which ligament is located directly in the spaces between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae?

Supraspinous ligament (ligamentum supraspinale)

Interspinous ligaments (ligamenta interspinalia) are stretched directly between the apices and edges of adjacent spinous processes.
Yellow ligament (ligamentum flavum)

Interspinous ligaments (ligamenta interspinalia) are stretched directly between the apices and edges of adjacent spinous processes.
Interspinous ligament (ligamentum interspinale)

Interspinous ligaments (ligamenta interspinalia) are stretched directly between the apices and edges of adjacent spinous processes.
Intertransverse ligament (ligamentum intertransversarium)

Interspinous ligaments (ligamenta interspinalia) are stretched directly between the apices and edges of adjacent spinous processes.
I find it difficult to answer

Interspinous ligaments (ligamenta interspinalia) are stretched directly between the apices and edges of adjacent spinous processes.

6. Which ligament is located in the gaps between the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae?

Interspinous ligament (ligamentum interspinale)

Intertransverse ligaments are stretched between the apices and edges of the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae. They limit lateral bends of the spine to the opposite side.
Yellow ligament (ligamentum flavum)

Intertransverse ligaments are stretched between the apices and edges of the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae. They limit lateral bends of the spine to the opposite side.
Intertransverse ligament (ligamentum intertransversarium)

Intertransverse ligaments are stretched between the apices and edges of the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae. They limit lateral bends of the spine to the opposite side.
Supraspinous ligament (ligamentum supraspinale)

Intertransverse ligaments are stretched between the apices and edges of the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae. They limit lateral bends of the spine to the opposite side.
I find it difficult to answer

Intertransverse ligaments are stretched between the apices and edges of the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae. They limit lateral bends of the spine to the opposite side.

7. The posterior longitudinal ligament attaches to:

Only to the vertebral bodies

The posterior longitudinal ligament attaches to the posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies and the edges of the intervertebral discs throughout the vertebral column from CII to the sacrum.
To the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs

The posterior longitudinal ligament attaches to the posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies and the edges of the intervertebral discs throughout the vertebral column from CII to the sacrum.
Only to the intervertebral discs

The posterior longitudinal ligament attaches to the posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies and the edges of the intervertebral discs throughout the vertebral column from CII to the sacrum.
To the vertebral arches and intervertebral discs

The posterior longitudinal ligament attaches to the posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies and the edges of the intervertebral discs throughout the vertebral column from CII to the sacrum.
I find it difficult to answer

The posterior longitudinal ligament attaches to the posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies and the edges of the intervertebral discs throughout the vertebral column from CII to the sacrum.

8. What joints do the articular processes of vertebrae form?

Symphyses

Zygapophyseal joints are plane synovial joints with a thin articular capsule.
Syndesmoses

Zygapophyseal joints are plane synovial joints with a thin articular capsule.
Plane synovial joints

Zygapophyseal joints are plane synovial joints with a thin articular capsule.
Synchondroses

Zygapophyseal joints are plane synovial joints with a thin articular capsule.
I find it difficult to answer

Zygapophyseal joints are plane synovial joints with a thin articular capsule.

9. What is the primary function of the intervertebral disc (discus intervertebralis)?

Protection of the spinal cord from chemical damage

Intervertebral discs perform several key mechanical functions: shock absorption and load distribution, providing mobility, and connecting the bodies of vertebrae.
Shock absorption and providing mobility for the spine

Intervertebral discs perform several key mechanical functions: shock absorption and load distribution, providing mobility, and connecting the bodies of vertebrae.
Hematopoiesis and storage of minerals

Intervertebral discs perform several key mechanical functions: shock absorption and load distribution, providing mobility, and connecting the bodies of vertebrae.
Conducting nerve impulses to the lower extremities

Intervertebral discs perform several key mechanical functions: shock absorption and load distribution, providing mobility, and connecting the bodies of vertebrae.
I find it difficult to answer

Intervertebral discs perform several key mechanical functions: shock absorption and load distribution, providing mobility, and connecting the bodies of vertebrae.

10. Ligamentum supraspinale in the cervical region of the spine turns into:

Ligamentum nuchae

In the cervical region, the supraspinous ligament becomes a powerful plate — ligamentum nuchae (nuchal ligament), tensioned from the external occipital protuberance to the CVII spinous process.
Ligamentum flavum

In the cervical region, the supraspinous ligament becomes a powerful plate — ligamentum nuchae (nuchal ligament), tensioned from the external occipital protuberance to the CVII spinous process.
Membrana tectoria

In the cervical region, the supraspinous ligament becomes a powerful plate — ligamentum nuchae (nuchal ligament), tensioned from the external occipital protuberance to the CVII spinous process.
Interspinous ligament (ligamentum interspinale)

In the cervical region, the supraspinous ligament becomes a powerful plate — ligamentum nuchae (nuchal ligament), tensioned from the external occipital protuberance to the CVII spinous process.
I find it difficult to answer

In the cervical region, the supraspinous ligament becomes a powerful plate — ligamentum nuchae (nuchal ligament), tensioned from the external occipital protuberance to the CVII spinous process.

11. What joint exists between the I and II sacral vertebrae in a normal adult?

Synovial plane joint

In adults, the sacral vertebrae are completely synostosed (fused with bone tissue), forming a single bone — os sacrum; cartilaginous layers between them are replaced by bone.
Symphysis with an intervertebral disc

In adults, the sacral vertebrae are completely synostosed (fused with bone tissue), forming a single bone — os sacrum; cartilaginous layers between them are replaced by bone.
Synostosis

In adults, the sacral vertebrae are completely synostosed (fused with bone tissue), forming a single bone — os sacrum; cartilaginous layers between them are replaced by bone.
Synchondrosis

In adults, the sacral vertebrae are completely synostosed (fused with bone tissue), forming a single bone — os sacrum; cartilaginous layers between them are replaced by bone.
I find it difficult to answer

In adults, the sacral vertebrae are completely synostosed (fused with bone tissue), forming a single bone — os sacrum; cartilaginous layers between them are replaced by bone.

12. Why are ligamenta flava of the spine named this way?

Due to the deposition of bilirubin salts and fatty inclusions

Ligamenta flava, connecting the arches of adjacent vertebrae, are named for their characteristic appearance due to the high content of elastic fibers, giving them a yellow color.
Due to the high content of elastic fibers, giving them a yellow color

Ligamenta flava, connecting the arches of adjacent vertebrae, are named for their characteristic appearance due to the high content of elastic fibers, giving them a yellow color.
Because of the yellowish color of the blood vessels supplying them

Ligamenta flava, connecting the arches of adjacent vertebrae, are named for their characteristic appearance due to the high content of elastic fibers, giving them a yellow color.
Named after an anatomist

Ligamenta flava, connecting the arches of adjacent vertebrae, are named for their characteristic appearance due to the high content of elastic fibers, giving them a yellow color.
I find it difficult to answer

Ligamenta flava, connecting the arches of adjacent vertebrae, are named for their characteristic appearance due to the high content of elastic fibers, giving them a yellow color.

13. By what age do the sacral vertebrae (vertebrae sacrales) fully fuse into a single bone (sacrum)?

By 18–25 years old

The fusion (synostosis) of the sacral vertebrae occurs gradually. The process begins at the age of 13–15 years (from bottom to top — from the lower vertebrae to the upper ones). Complete ossification and formation of a single sacrum are completed by 18–25 years old.
By 12–15 years old

The fusion (synostosis) of the sacral vertebrae occurs gradually. The process begins at the age of 13–15 years (from bottom to top — from the lower vertebrae to the upper ones). Complete ossification and formation of a single sacrum are completed by 18–25 years old.
By 7–10 years old

The fusion (synostosis) of the sacral vertebrae occurs gradually. The process begins at the age of 13–15 years (from bottom to top — from the lower vertebrae to the upper ones). Complete ossification and formation of a single sacrum are completed by 18–25 years old.
By 35–40 years old

The fusion (synostosis) of the sacral vertebrae occurs gradually. The process begins at the age of 13–15 years (from bottom to top — from the lower vertebrae to the upper ones). Complete ossification and formation of a single sacrum are completed by 18–25 years old.
I find it difficult to answer

The fusion (synostosis) of the sacral vertebrae occurs gradually. The process begins at the age of 13–15 years (from bottom to top — from the lower vertebrae to the upper ones). Complete ossification and formation of a single sacrum are completed by 18–25 years old.

14. What types of movements are possible in the zygapophyseal joints of the spine?

Only flexion and extension

Movements in zygapophyseal joints are possible around three axes: around the frontal axis: flexion (flexio) and extension (extensio), around the sagittal axis: lateral bending to the left and right, around the vertical axis: rotation (rotatio).
Flexion and extension, lateral bends, and rotation

Movements in zygapophyseal joints are possible around three axes: around the frontal axis: flexion (flexio) and extension (extensio), around the sagittal axis: lateral bending to the left and right, around the vertical axis: rotation (rotatio).
Only rotation

Movements in zygapophyseal joints are possible around three axes: around the frontal axis: flexion (flexio) and extension (extensio), around the sagittal axis: lateral bending to the left and right, around the vertical axis: rotation (rotatio).
Movements in these joints are completely absent

Movements in zygapophyseal joints are possible around three axes: around the frontal axis: flexion (flexio) and extension (extensio), around the sagittal axis: lateral bending to the left and right, around the vertical axis: rotation (rotatio).
I find it difficult to answer

Movements in zygapophyseal joints are possible around three axes: around the frontal axis: flexion (flexio) and extension (extensio), around the sagittal axis: lateral bending to the left and right, around the vertical axis: rotation (rotatio).

15. Intertransverse ligaments connect:

Spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae

Intertransverse ligaments (ligamenta intertransversaria) are stretched between the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae; they are most developed in the thoracic region, limiting lateral bends.
Transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae

Intertransverse ligaments (ligamenta intertransversaria) are stretched between the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae; they are most developed in the thoracic region, limiting lateral bends.
Arches of adjacent vertebrae

Intertransverse ligaments (ligamenta intertransversaria) are stretched between the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae; they are most developed in the thoracic region, limiting lateral bends.
Articular processes of adjacent vertebrae

Intertransverse ligaments (ligamenta intertransversaria) are stretched between the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae; they are most developed in the thoracic region, limiting lateral bends.
I find it difficult to answer

Intertransverse ligaments (ligamenta intertransversaria) are stretched between the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae; they are most developed in the thoracic region, limiting lateral bends.

16. What is the name of the complex anatomical connection between the fifth lumbar (L5) and the first sacral (S1) vertebrae?

Sacrococcygeal joint (articulatio sacrococcygea)

The connection between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the base of the sacrum is called the lumbosacral joint (articulatio lumbosacralis).
Sacroiliac joint

The connection between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the base of the sacrum is called the lumbosacral joint (articulatio lumbosacralis).
Lumbosacral joint (articulatio lumbosacralis)

The connection between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the base of the sacrum is called the lumbosacral joint (articulatio lumbosacralis).
Atlantooccipital joint (articulatio atlantooccipitalis)

The connection between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the base of the sacrum is called the lumbosacral joint (articulatio lumbosacralis).
I find it difficult to answer

The connection between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the base of the sacrum is called the lumbosacral joint (articulatio lumbosacralis).

17. Which ligament is the direct continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament within the vertebral canal at the craniovertebral transition?

Ligamentum apicis dentis

The tectorial membrane is the cranial continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament: it stretches over the odontoid process of the axial vertebra and attaches to the clivus of the occipital bone.
Ligamentum nuchae

The tectorial membrane is the cranial continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament: it stretches over the odontoid process of the axial vertebra and attaches to the clivus of the occipital bone.
Membrana tectoria

The tectorial membrane is the cranial continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament: it stretches over the odontoid process of the axial vertebra and attaches to the clivus of the occipital bone.
Ligamentum flavum

The tectorial membrane is the cranial continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament: it stretches over the odontoid process of the axial vertebra and attaches to the clivus of the occipital bone.
I find it difficult to answer

The tectorial membrane is the cranial continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament: it stretches over the odontoid process of the axial vertebra and attaches to the clivus of the occipital bone.

18. The degree of mobility in a segment of the spine is primarily determined by:

The thickness of ligamentum flavum

The larger the ratio of disc height to vertebral body height (disc-vertebral index), the greater the overall mobility of the segment; the highest index is in the cervical and lumbar regions.
The ratio of the height of the intervertebral disc to the height of the vertebral body

The larger the ratio of disc height to vertebral body height (disc-vertebral index), the greater the overall mobility of the segment; the highest index is in the cervical and lumbar regions.
The quantity of ligamenta intertransversaria

The larger the ratio of disc height to vertebral body height (disc-vertebral index), the greater the overall mobility of the segment; the highest index is in the cervical and lumbar regions.
The diameter of the intervertebral foramen

The larger the ratio of disc height to vertebral body height (disc-vertebral index), the greater the overall mobility of the segment; the highest index is in the cervical and lumbar regions.
I find it difficult to answer

The larger the ratio of disc height to vertebral body height (disc-vertebral index), the greater the overall mobility of the segment; the highest index is in the cervical and lumbar regions.

19. The sacrococcygeal joint, by connection type, is:

Synovial ball-and-socket joint

The sacrococcygeal joint is a synchondrosis with a small intervertebral disc, reinforced by ligaments.
Synostosis

The sacrococcygeal joint is a synchondrosis with a small intervertebral disc, reinforced by ligaments.
Synchondrosis

The sacrococcygeal joint is a synchondrosis with a small intervertebral disc, reinforced by ligaments.
Syndesmosis without cartilaginous layer

The sacrococcygeal joint is a synchondrosis with a small intervertebral disc, reinforced by ligaments.
I find it difficult to answer

The sacrococcygeal joint is a synchondrosis with a small intervertebral disc, reinforced by ligaments.

20. Which ligament stretches along the apex of the spinous processes of the vertebrae along the entire vertebral column?

Interspinous ligament (ligamentum interspinale)

The supraspinous ligament (ligamentum supraspinale) is located over the apices of the spinous processes.
Yellow ligament (ligamentum flavum)

The supraspinous ligament (ligamentum supraspinale) is located over the apices of the spinous processes.
Supraspinous ligament (ligamentum supraspinale)

The supraspinous ligament (ligamentum supraspinale) is located over the apices of the spinous processes.
Posterior longitudinal ligament (ligamentum longitudinale posterius)

The supraspinous ligament (ligamentum supraspinale) is located over the apices of the spinous processes.
I find it difficult to answer

The supraspinous ligament (ligamentum supraspinale) is located over the apices of the spinous processes.