Back Pain Back Pain Anatomy and Physiology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which spinal region consists of 5 vertebrae and bears the most body weight?
- Cervical
- Thoracic
- Lumbar (Correct answer)
- Sacral
Correct answer: Lumbar
The lumbar region has 5 large vertebrae (L1–L5) and supports the majority of the body's weight.
Question 2: What structure lies between adjacent vertebral bodies and acts as a shock absorber?
- Facet joint
- Intervertebral disc (Correct answer)
- Ligamentum flavum
- Pedicle
Correct answer: Intervertebral disc
Intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous cushions that absorb compressive forces between vertebral bodies.
Question 3: The nucleus pulposus is composed primarily of which substance?
- Collagen type I
- Hyaluronic acid
- Proteoglycans and water (Correct answer)
- Calcium phosphate
Correct answer: Proteoglycans and water
The nucleus pulposus contains a gel-like matrix of proteoglycans and water that provides hydraulic pressure resistance.
Question 4: Which muscle group is often called the 'core' and is critical for lumbar spine stabilization?
- Hamstrings
- Transversus abdominis (Correct answer)
- Gastrocnemius
- Quadriceps
Correct answer: Transversus abdominis
The transversus abdominis is the deepest abdominal muscle and a primary stabilizer of the lumbar spine.
Question 5: The cauda equina is a collection of nerve roots located below which vertebral level?
- T12
- L1
- L2 (Correct answer)
- S1
Correct answer: L2
The spinal cord ends at the conus medullaris around L1–L2, and below that the cauda equina (nerve roots) continues.
Question 6: Which ligament runs along the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies inside the spinal canal?
- Anterior longitudinal ligament
- Posterior longitudinal ligament (Correct answer)
- Supraspinous ligament
- Iliolumbar ligament
Correct answer: Posterior longitudinal ligament
The posterior longitudinal ligament lines the posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies within the spinal canal.
Back Pain Back Pain Anatomy and Physiology 1
Which spinal region consists of 5 vertebrae and bears the most body weight?