MSC - Spine Exam Questions Answered Correctly Latest Update 2025-2026
Facets are also known as: - Answers*Look like hamburger buns*
Zygapophyseal Joints
Synovial joints (ligamentous capsule surrounding joint with synovial fluid)
Provide Motion - flexion/extension/rotation
Facets carry how much of the load? - AnswersAbout 20%
The body (anterior aspect of the spinal column) carries how much of the load? - AnswersAbout
80%
ALL - AnswersAnterior Longitudinal Ligament
Helps prevent hyperextension and from disc popping out anteriorly
Very wide, anterior, and DOES attach to the disc
3 Functions of the Intervertebral Disc - Answers- Shock absorption
- Spacer
- Movement/pivot
The 3 main conditions that cause a lot of issues with the spine - Answers- Osteophytes
- Herniated Discs
- Thicken Ligaments
Annulus fibrosus - AnswersMade up of Lamellae (thin layer of cartilage material)
The tough circular exterior of the intervertebral disc that surrounds the soft inner core, the
nucleus pulposus.
, This outer portion is composed of a ring of ligament fibers that encases the inner core of the
disc and securely connects the spinal vertebrae above and below the disc.
Nucleus pulposus - AnswersThe inner core of the vertebral disc
The core is composed of a jelly-like material that consists of mainly water, as well as a loose
network of collagen fibers.
The elastic inner structure allows the vertebral disc to withstand forces of compression and
torsion.
sinuvertebral nerve - AnswersLine the outer 1/3 of of the annulus
Communicate with the surrounding nerve structures
When there is pressure/damage to a disc... - AnswersNeurotransmitters are released
External Occipital Protuberance - AnswersAka the Inion, this is the thickest point of the head
Lateral Mass of Cervical Vertebrae - AnswersTell column of bone on both sides on both sides of
vertebrae that has articulating surface (facet) superiorly and inferiorly
Transverse process of vertebra - AnswersSmall bony projection off the right and left side of
each vertebrae
spinus process - Answersposteriorly stick out of vertebra and serve for muscle attachment sites
Vertebral foramen - Answerscanal through which spinal cord passes
Bifid spinous process - AnswersOnly seen from C2/C3 - C6
Has two projections
Transverse foramen - AnswersOnly found in the cervical vertebrae and allow passage of the
vertabral artery, vein, and nerve
Supplies head with blood
Facets are also known as: - Answers*Look like hamburger buns*
Zygapophyseal Joints
Synovial joints (ligamentous capsule surrounding joint with synovial fluid)
Provide Motion - flexion/extension/rotation
Facets carry how much of the load? - AnswersAbout 20%
The body (anterior aspect of the spinal column) carries how much of the load? - AnswersAbout
80%
ALL - AnswersAnterior Longitudinal Ligament
Helps prevent hyperextension and from disc popping out anteriorly
Very wide, anterior, and DOES attach to the disc
3 Functions of the Intervertebral Disc - Answers- Shock absorption
- Spacer
- Movement/pivot
The 3 main conditions that cause a lot of issues with the spine - Answers- Osteophytes
- Herniated Discs
- Thicken Ligaments
Annulus fibrosus - AnswersMade up of Lamellae (thin layer of cartilage material)
The tough circular exterior of the intervertebral disc that surrounds the soft inner core, the
nucleus pulposus.
, This outer portion is composed of a ring of ligament fibers that encases the inner core of the
disc and securely connects the spinal vertebrae above and below the disc.
Nucleus pulposus - AnswersThe inner core of the vertebral disc
The core is composed of a jelly-like material that consists of mainly water, as well as a loose
network of collagen fibers.
The elastic inner structure allows the vertebral disc to withstand forces of compression and
torsion.
sinuvertebral nerve - AnswersLine the outer 1/3 of of the annulus
Communicate with the surrounding nerve structures
When there is pressure/damage to a disc... - AnswersNeurotransmitters are released
External Occipital Protuberance - AnswersAka the Inion, this is the thickest point of the head
Lateral Mass of Cervical Vertebrae - AnswersTell column of bone on both sides on both sides of
vertebrae that has articulating surface (facet) superiorly and inferiorly
Transverse process of vertebra - AnswersSmall bony projection off the right and left side of
each vertebrae
spinus process - Answersposteriorly stick out of vertebra and serve for muscle attachment sites
Vertebral foramen - Answerscanal through which spinal cord passes
Bifid spinous process - AnswersOnly seen from C2/C3 - C6
Has two projections
Transverse foramen - AnswersOnly found in the cervical vertebrae and allow passage of the
vertabral artery, vein, and nerve
Supplies head with blood
