MSC Spine Actual Test 1 Questions with
Correct detailed verified answers latest
update 2025
What kind of technique will spinal surgeons fully transition to in the
next 10 year? --- correct precise answer ---minimally invasive
Disc Neurology --- correct precise answer ---- Sinuvertebral nerves
line the outer 1/3rd of the annulus.
- These nerves communicate with the surrounding nerve structures.
- Neurotransmitters are released when there is pressure/damage to
the disc.
Craniocervical Junction --- correct precise answer ---- Base of the
skull = Occiput
- Attached to C1 with ligaments
- Thickest point
- External Occipital Protuberance (EOP) aka Inion approx 12-15mm
thick
uses usually 8-10mm screws, not longer bc of the cerebellum
,Upper Cervical --- correct precise answer ---- Occiput, C1, C2
- Occiput sits on top of the atlas
- C1 = Atlas, which is a RING, and has NO vertebral body
- C2 = Axis, right below the Atlas, acts as the pivot point for neck
rotation, has the DENS (bony tooth looking) that connects with the
Atlas.
Atlantoaxial Joint/Complex --- correct precise answer ---- C1 - Atlas,
ring of bone, lateral masses, superior - articulates with the occiput,
inferior - articulates with C2.
- C2 - Axis, Pivoting point = Dens, aka Odontoid Process, tooth-like
projection, allows for rotation of head about the neck.
aka Cruciform Complex
Which ligament is the most important structure for C1/C2 stability? ---
correct precise answer ---The transverse ligament, very important
around the odontoid process.
AA joint --- correct precise answer ---- Anterior Atlanto, axial motion
joint
- The joint that controls flexion/extension between the Atlas and Axis
- Anterior AA joint
, - Lateral view
C3 to C7 --- correct precise answer ---- Lower C Spine, Body, Spinal
Canal
- Facets start to transition into more of a transverse plane.
- Bifed Spinous Process - C3-C6
- Vertebra Prominens = C7 spinous process, most prominent to see,
the bottom of ligamentum Nuche attaches here.
- Lateral Mass
- Unicate Process
- Vertebral body's usually 10-12 mm
We use Lateral Mass screws instead of the pedicle screws here bc... ---
correct precise answer ---of the risk to danger zones of the transverse
foramen (which carries nerves to the brain) and vertebral foramen
(holds the spinal cord)
Transverse Foramen --- correct precise answer ---- only found in the
cervical vertebrae
- houses the vertebral artery, supplies the head with blood (enters at
C6 and exits at C1 straight into the brain)
Correct detailed verified answers latest
update 2025
What kind of technique will spinal surgeons fully transition to in the
next 10 year? --- correct precise answer ---minimally invasive
Disc Neurology --- correct precise answer ---- Sinuvertebral nerves
line the outer 1/3rd of the annulus.
- These nerves communicate with the surrounding nerve structures.
- Neurotransmitters are released when there is pressure/damage to
the disc.
Craniocervical Junction --- correct precise answer ---- Base of the
skull = Occiput
- Attached to C1 with ligaments
- Thickest point
- External Occipital Protuberance (EOP) aka Inion approx 12-15mm
thick
uses usually 8-10mm screws, not longer bc of the cerebellum
,Upper Cervical --- correct precise answer ---- Occiput, C1, C2
- Occiput sits on top of the atlas
- C1 = Atlas, which is a RING, and has NO vertebral body
- C2 = Axis, right below the Atlas, acts as the pivot point for neck
rotation, has the DENS (bony tooth looking) that connects with the
Atlas.
Atlantoaxial Joint/Complex --- correct precise answer ---- C1 - Atlas,
ring of bone, lateral masses, superior - articulates with the occiput,
inferior - articulates with C2.
- C2 - Axis, Pivoting point = Dens, aka Odontoid Process, tooth-like
projection, allows for rotation of head about the neck.
aka Cruciform Complex
Which ligament is the most important structure for C1/C2 stability? ---
correct precise answer ---The transverse ligament, very important
around the odontoid process.
AA joint --- correct precise answer ---- Anterior Atlanto, axial motion
joint
- The joint that controls flexion/extension between the Atlas and Axis
- Anterior AA joint
, - Lateral view
C3 to C7 --- correct precise answer ---- Lower C Spine, Body, Spinal
Canal
- Facets start to transition into more of a transverse plane.
- Bifed Spinous Process - C3-C6
- Vertebra Prominens = C7 spinous process, most prominent to see,
the bottom of ligamentum Nuche attaches here.
- Lateral Mass
- Unicate Process
- Vertebral body's usually 10-12 mm
We use Lateral Mass screws instead of the pedicle screws here bc... ---
correct precise answer ---of the risk to danger zones of the transverse
foramen (which carries nerves to the brain) and vertebral foramen
(holds the spinal cord)
Transverse Foramen --- correct precise answer ---- only found in the
cervical vertebrae
- houses the vertebral artery, supplies the head with blood (enters at
C6 and exits at C1 straight into the brain)
