Cervical vertebrae anatomy test

Evaluate the knowledge of cervical vertebrae anatomy. The test assesses their specific structure, topography, joints, ligament apparatus, and foramina.

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1. Which anatomical structure is a distinguishing feature of all cervical vertebrae?

Mammillary process

The presence of a foramen in the transverse process (foramen transversarium) is a distinguishing characteristic of all cervical vertebrae.
Costal facet

The presence of a foramen in the transverse process (foramen transversarium) is a distinguishing characteristic of all cervical vertebrae.
Foramen of the transverse process

The presence of a foramen in the transverse process (foramen transversarium) is a distinguishing characteristic of all cervical vertebrae.
Accessory process

The presence of a foramen in the transverse process (foramen transversarium) is a distinguishing characteristic of all cervical vertebrae.
I find it difficult to answer

The presence of a foramen in the transverse process (foramen transversarium) is a distinguishing characteristic of all cervical vertebrae.

2. Which cervical vertebra lacks a body?

Atlas (C1)

The atlas (first cervical vertebra) lacks a body, which in embryogenesis fuses with the body of the second cervical vertebra, forming its odontoid process.
Axis (C2)

The atlas (first cervical vertebra) lacks a body, which in embryogenesis fuses with the body of the second cervical vertebra, forming its odontoid process.
Prominent (C7)

The atlas (first cervical vertebra) lacks a body, which in embryogenesis fuses with the body of the second cervical vertebra, forming its odontoid process.
Sixth (C6)

The atlas (first cervical vertebra) lacks a body, which in embryogenesis fuses with the body of the second cervical vertebra, forming its odontoid process.
I find it difficult to answer

The atlas (first cervical vertebra) lacks a body, which in embryogenesis fuses with the body of the second cervical vertebra, forming its odontoid process.

3. What structure passes through the foramen of the transverse process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7)?

Vertebral artery and vein

Only the vertebral vein passes through the transverse foramen of C7, whereas the vertebral artery usually enters the foramen of C6.
Only the vertebral artery

Only the vertebral vein passes through the transverse foramen of C7, whereas the vertebral artery usually enters the foramen of C6.
Internal carotid artery

Only the vertebral vein passes through the transverse foramen of C7, whereas the vertebral artery usually enters the foramen of C6.
Vertebral vein

Only the vertebral vein passes through the transverse foramen of C7, whereas the vertebral artery usually enters the foramen of C6.
I find it difficult to answer

Only the vertebral vein passes through the transverse foramen of C7, whereas the vertebral artery usually enters the foramen of C6.

4. On which vertebra is the carotid tubercle (tuberculum caroticum) located?

On the anterior arch of the atlas

The carotid tubercle is a highly developed anterior tubercle of the transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebra, to which the common carotid artery can be pressed.
On the transverse process of C4

The carotid tubercle is a highly developed anterior tubercle of the transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebra, to which the common carotid artery can be pressed.
On the anterior tubercle of the transverse process of C6

The carotid tubercle is a highly developed anterior tubercle of the transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebra, to which the common carotid artery can be pressed.
On the spinous process of C7

The carotid tubercle is a highly developed anterior tubercle of the transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebra, to which the common carotid artery can be pressed.
I find it difficult to answer

The carotid tubercle is a highly developed anterior tubercle of the transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebra, to which the common carotid artery can be pressed.

5. What is located in the groove for the spinal nerve on the transverse process of a typical cervical vertebra?

Ventral branch of the spinal nerve

The groove for the spinal nerve (sulcus nervi spinalis) separates the anterior and posterior tubercles of the transverse process and serves as a passage for the ventral branch of the spinal nerve.
Vertebral artery

The groove for the spinal nerve (sulcus nervi spinalis) separates the anterior and posterior tubercles of the transverse process and serves as a passage for the ventral branch of the spinal nerve.
Sympathetic trunk

The groove for the spinal nerve (sulcus nervi spinalis) separates the anterior and posterior tubercles of the transverse process and serves as a passage for the ventral branch of the spinal nerve.
Vagus nerve

The groove for the spinal nerve (sulcus nervi spinalis) separates the anterior and posterior tubercles of the transverse process and serves as a passage for the ventral branch of the spinal nerve.
I find it difficult to answer

The groove for the spinal nerve (sulcus nervi spinalis) separates the anterior and posterior tubercles of the transverse process and serves as a passage for the ventral branch of the spinal nerve.

6. Which element of a typical cervical vertebra has a bifid end?

Anterior tubercle

The spinous processes of typical cervical vertebrae (from second to sixth) are bifid at the end, which increases the area for the attachment of the nuchal ligament and muscles.
Spinous process

The spinous processes of typical cervical vertebrae (from second to sixth) are bifid at the end, which increases the area for the attachment of the nuchal ligament and muscles.
Articular process

The spinous processes of typical cervical vertebrae (from second to sixth) are bifid at the end, which increases the area for the attachment of the nuchal ligament and muscles.
Uncinate process

The spinous processes of typical cervical vertebrae (from second to sixth) are bifid at the end, which increases the area for the attachment of the nuchal ligament and muscles.
I find it difficult to answer

The spinous processes of typical cervical vertebrae (from second to sixth) are bifid at the end, which increases the area for the attachment of the nuchal ligament and muscles.

7. With which structure does the fovea dentis (fovea dentis) on the anterior arch of the atlas articulate?

With the anterior longitudinal ligament

The fovea dentis of the atlas forms a joint with the anterior articular facet of the dens of the second cervical vertebra, forming the median atlantoaxial joint.
With the occipital condyle

The fovea dentis of the atlas forms a joint with the anterior articular facet of the dens of the second cervical vertebra, forming the median atlantoaxial joint.
With the apex of the dens of the axis

The fovea dentis of the atlas forms a joint with the anterior articular facet of the dens of the second cervical vertebra, forming the median atlantoaxial joint.
With the anterior articular facet of the dens of the axis

The fovea dentis of the atlas forms a joint with the anterior articular facet of the dens of the second cervical vertebra, forming the median atlantoaxial joint.
I find it difficult to answer

The fovea dentis of the atlas forms a joint with the anterior articular facet of the dens of the second cervical vertebra, forming the median atlantoaxial joint.

8. Where is the groove for the vertebral artery (sulcus arteriae vertebralis) located?

On the posterior arch of the atlas

The groove for the vertebral artery is located on the superior surface of the posterior arch of the atlas behind the lateral masses; housing the vertebral artery and the suboccipital nerve.
On the anterior arch of the atlas

The groove for the vertebral artery is located on the superior surface of the posterior arch of the atlas behind the lateral masses; housing the vertebral artery and the suboccipital nerve.
On the body of the axis

The groove for the vertebral artery is located on the superior surface of the posterior arch of the atlas behind the lateral masses; housing the vertebral artery and the suboccipital nerve.
On the transverse process of C7

The groove for the vertebral artery is located on the superior surface of the posterior arch of the atlas behind the lateral masses; housing the vertebral artery and the suboccipital nerve.
I find it difficult to answer

The groove for the vertebral artery is located on the superior surface of the posterior arch of the atlas behind the lateral masses; housing the vertebral artery and the suboccipital nerve.

9. What is the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) called due to its long, non-bifid spinous process?

Axis (axis)

The seventh cervical vertebra is called the prominent vertebra (vertebra prominens) because its long spinous process can be palpated beneath the skin at the lower neck border.
Prominent vertebra (vertebra prominens)

The seventh cervical vertebra is called the prominent vertebra (vertebra prominens) because its long spinous process can be palpated beneath the skin at the lower neck border.
Transition vertebra

The seventh cervical vertebra is called the prominent vertebra (vertebra prominens) because its long spinous process can be palpated beneath the skin at the lower neck border.
Main vertebra

The seventh cervical vertebra is called the prominent vertebra (vertebra prominens) because its long spinous process can be palpated beneath the skin at the lower neck border.
I find it difficult to answer

The seventh cervical vertebra is called the prominent vertebra (vertebra prominens) because its long spinous process can be palpated beneath the skin at the lower neck border.

10. Which structures form the uncovertebral joints (Luschka's joints)?

Articular processes of adjacent vertebrae

Uncovertebral articulations are formed between the uncinate processes (processus uncinatus) of the inferior cervical vertebra and the sloped inferolateral edges of the superior vertebral body.
Transverse processes and ribs

Uncovertebral articulations are formed between the uncinate processes (processus uncinatus) of the inferior cervical vertebra and the sloped inferolateral edges of the superior vertebral body.
Uncinate processes and inferolateral surfaces of the body of the overlying vertebra

Uncovertebral articulations are formed between the uncinate processes (processus uncinatus) of the inferior cervical vertebra and the sloped inferolateral edges of the superior vertebral body.
Anterior arches and dens

Uncovertebral articulations are formed between the uncinate processes (processus uncinatus) of the inferior cervical vertebra and the sloped inferolateral edges of the superior vertebral body.
I find it difficult to answer

Uncovertebral articulations are formed between the uncinate processes (processus uncinatus) of the inferior cervical vertebra and the sloped inferolateral edges of the superior vertebral body.

11. What holds the dens of the axis in a joint with the anterior arch of the atlas?

Cruciform ligament.

The transverse ligament of the atlas is stretched between the medial surfaces of the lateral masses and securely presses the dens of the axis against the anterior arch of the atlas.
Transverse ligament of atlas.

The transverse ligament of the atlas is stretched between the medial surfaces of the lateral masses and securely presses the dens of the axis against the anterior arch of the atlas.
Alar ligaments

The transverse ligament of the atlas is stretched between the medial surfaces of the lateral masses and securely presses the dens of the axis against the anterior arch of the atlas.
Tectorial membrane

The transverse ligament of the atlas is stretched between the medial surfaces of the lateral masses and securely presses the dens of the axis against the anterior arch of the atlas.
I find it difficult to answer

The transverse ligament of the atlas is stretched between the medial surfaces of the lateral masses and securely presses the dens of the axis against the anterior arch of the atlas.

12. Which ligament is the continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine at the level of the atlantoaxial and atlantooccipital joints?

Tectorial membrane (membrana tectoria).

The tectorial membrane is a broad fibrous plate that is the cranial continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament and covers the dens and its ligaments posteriorly.
Nuchal ligament

The tectorial membrane is a broad fibrous plate that is the cranial continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament and covers the dens and its ligaments posteriorly.
Anterior atlanto-occipital membrane.

The tectorial membrane is a broad fibrous plate that is the cranial continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament and covers the dens and its ligaments posteriorly.
Apical ligament of dens = Apical dental ligament

The tectorial membrane is a broad fibrous plate that is the cranial continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament and covers the dens and its ligaments posteriorly.
I find it difficult to answer

The tectorial membrane is a broad fibrous plate that is the cranial continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament and covers the dens and its ligaments posteriorly.

13. What shape do the articular surfaces of the zygapophyseal joints in typical cervical vertebrae have?

Cylindrical

The articular surfaces of the zygapophyseal (facet) joints of the cervical vertebrae are flat and oblique, providing high mobility of the neck.
Ball-shaped.

The articular surfaces of the zygapophyseal (facet) joints of the cervical vertebrae are flat and oblique, providing high mobility of the neck.
Flat.

The articular surfaces of the zygapophyseal (facet) joints of the cervical vertebrae are flat and oblique, providing high mobility of the neck.
Saddle-shaped.

The articular surfaces of the zygapophyseal (facet) joints of the cervical vertebrae are flat and oblique, providing high mobility of the neck.
I find it difficult to answer

The articular surfaces of the zygapophyseal (facet) joints of the cervical vertebrae are flat and oblique, providing high mobility of the neck.

14. What is the homolog of the rib in the structure of a cervical vertebra?

Posterior tubercle of the transverse process

The anterior tubercle of the transverse process of a cervical vertebra is a rudimentary rib, fused with the true transverse process (posterior tubercle).
Spinous process

The anterior tubercle of the transverse process of a cervical vertebra is a rudimentary rib, fused with the true transverse process (posterior tubercle).
Uncinate process

The anterior tubercle of the transverse process of a cervical vertebra is a rudimentary rib, fused with the true transverse process (posterior tubercle).
Anterior tubercle of the transverse process

The anterior tubercle of the transverse process of a cervical vertebra is a rudimentary rib, fused with the true transverse process (posterior tubercle).
I find it difficult to answer

The anterior tubercle of the transverse process of a cervical vertebra is a rudimentary rib, fused with the true transverse process (posterior tubercle).

15. What type of joint is the lateral atlantoaxial joint by the shape of the articular surfaces?

Planar joint

The lateral atlantoaxial joints, formed by the inferior articular fossa of the atlas and the superior articular surfaces of the axis, are flat combined joints.
Ellipsoid joint

The lateral atlantoaxial joints, formed by the inferior articular fossa of the atlas and the superior articular surfaces of the axis, are flat combined joints.
Cylindrical joint

The lateral atlantoaxial joints, formed by the inferior articular fossa of the atlas and the superior articular surfaces of the axis, are flat combined joints.
Hinge joint

The lateral atlantoaxial joints, formed by the inferior articular fossa of the atlas and the superior articular surfaces of the axis, are flat combined joints.
I find it difficult to answer

The lateral atlantoaxial joints, formed by the inferior articular fossa of the atlas and the superior articular surfaces of the axis, are flat combined joints.

16. What ligament restricts excessive rotation of the head in the atlantoaxial joints?

Alar ligaments (ligamenta alaria)

The alar ligaments run from the lateral surfaces of the dens of the axis to the medial surfaces of the occipital condyles, limiting excessive head rotation.
Apical ligament of dens = Apical dental ligament

The alar ligaments run from the lateral surfaces of the dens of the axis to the medial surfaces of the occipital condyles, limiting excessive head rotation.
Transverse ligament of atlas.

The alar ligaments run from the lateral surfaces of the dens of the axis to the medial surfaces of the occipital condyles, limiting excessive head rotation.
Ligamenta flava.

The alar ligaments run from the lateral surfaces of the dens of the axis to the medial surfaces of the occipital condyles, limiting excessive head rotation.
I find it difficult to answer

The alar ligaments run from the lateral surfaces of the dens of the axis to the medial surfaces of the occipital condyles, limiting excessive head rotation.

17. Where are the superior articular surfaces of the axis (C2) located?

On the apex of the dens

Unlike other vertebrae, the superior articular surfaces of C2 are not on the articular processes but on the superior surface of the vertebral body and the pedicles of the arch lateral to the dens.
On the body of the vertebra and its pedicles, lateral to the dens

Unlike other vertebrae, the superior articular surfaces of C2 are not on the articular processes but on the superior surface of the vertebral body and the pedicles of the arch lateral to the dens.
On the transverse processes

Unlike other vertebrae, the superior articular surfaces of C2 are not on the articular processes but on the superior surface of the vertebral body and the pedicles of the arch lateral to the dens.
On the tip of the spinous process

Unlike other vertebrae, the superior articular surfaces of C2 are not on the articular processes but on the superior surface of the vertebral body and the pedicles of the arch lateral to the dens.
I find it difficult to answer

Unlike other vertebrae, the superior articular surfaces of C2 are not on the articular processes but on the superior surface of the vertebral body and the pedicles of the arch lateral to the dens.

18. What anatomical structure is located between the anterior and posterior arches of the atlas?

Vertebral body

The atlas has no body; the anterior and posterior arches connect via thickened bone formations - lateral masses bearing articular surfaces.
Dens of the axis

The atlas has no body; the anterior and posterior arches connect via thickened bone formations - lateral masses bearing articular surfaces.
Uncinate processes

The atlas has no body; the anterior and posterior arches connect via thickened bone formations - lateral masses bearing articular surfaces.
Lateral masses (massae laterales)

The atlas has no body; the anterior and posterior arches connect via thickened bone formations - lateral masses bearing articular surfaces.
I find it difficult to answer

The atlas has no body; the anterior and posterior arches connect via thickened bone formations - lateral masses bearing articular surfaces.

19. In what direction are the superior articular processes of typical cervical vertebrae oriented?

Medially and backwards

The articular facets of the superior articular processes of typical cervical vertebrae face backwards and upwards, while the lower ones face forwards and downwards, determining the movement characteristics in this section.
Upwards and backwards

The articular facets of the superior articular processes of typical cervical vertebrae face backwards and upwards, while the lower ones face forwards and downwards, determining the movement characteristics in this section.
Downwards and forwards

The articular facets of the superior articular processes of typical cervical vertebrae face backwards and upwards, while the lower ones face forwards and downwards, determining the movement characteristics in this section.
Strictly laterally

The articular facets of the superior articular processes of typical cervical vertebrae face backwards and upwards, while the lower ones face forwards and downwards, determining the movement characteristics in this section.
I find it difficult to answer

The articular facets of the superior articular processes of typical cervical vertebrae face backwards and upwards, while the lower ones face forwards and downwards, determining the movement characteristics in this section.

20. With what structure does the nuchal ligament (ligamentum nuchae) attach on the cervical vertebrae?

With the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes

The nuchal ligament, a powerful fibrous cord, attaches to the external occipital crest and the apices of the spinous processes of all cervical vertebrae.
With the vertebral bodies

The nuchal ligament, a powerful fibrous cord, attaches to the external occipital crest and the apices of the spinous processes of all cervical vertebrae.
With the uncinate processes

The nuchal ligament, a powerful fibrous cord, attaches to the external occipital crest and the apices of the spinous processes of all cervical vertebrae.
With the spinous processes.

The nuchal ligament, a powerful fibrous cord, attaches to the external occipital crest and the apices of the spinous processes of all cervical vertebrae.
I find it difficult to answer

The nuchal ligament, a powerful fibrous cord, attaches to the external occipital crest and the apices of the spinous processes of all cervical vertebrae.