Back Practice Questions

Q: What is the total number of vertebrae in the human vertebral column?

33. **Explanation:** The human vertebral column typically consists of **33 vertebrae** arranged in five distinct regions. This anatomical structure provides axial support and protects the spinal cord. The distribution is as follows: * **Cervical:** 7 vertebrae (C1–C7) * **Thoracic:** 12 vertebrae (T1–T12) * **Lumbar:** 5 vertebrae (L1–L5) * **Sacral:** 5 vertebrae (S1–S5, fused in adults to form the sacrum) * **Coccygeal:** 4 vertebrae (fused to form the coccyx) **Analysis of Options:** * **Option D (33) is correct** because it accounts for all individual segments before or during the fusion process. In adult clinical anatomy, while there are 33 bones initially, they fuse into **26 functional units** (24 individual vertebrae + 1 sacrum + 1 coccyx). However, the standard anatomical count remains 33. * **Options A, B, and C** are incorrect as they do not correspond to any standard anatomical count of the vertebral segments. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** 1. **Primary vs. Secondary Curvatures:** Thoracic and Sacral curvatures are **primary** (present at birth/concave forward). Cervical and Lumbar are **secondary** (acquired/convex forward); the cervical curve appears when an infant holds their head up, and the lumbar curve appears when the infant begins to walk. 2. **Vertebral Levels:** The spinal cord typically ends at the **L1-L2** level in adults (important for Lumbar Puncture, which is performed at L3-L4 or L4-L5). 3. **Atypical Vertebrae:** C1 (Atlas), C2 (Axis), and C7 (Vertebra Prominens) have unique features often tested in exams. C1 lacks a body and a spine.

Q: What is the primary vertebral curve?

Thoracic. The vertebral column undergoes significant changes in its curvature from fetal life to adulthood. These curves are classified into **Primary** and **Secondary** curves based on their time of development. **Why Thoracic is the Correct Answer:** Primary curves are those that are present during **fetal life**. In the uterus, the entire vertebral column is flexed, forming a single C-shaped curve that is concave anteriorly (kyphosis). After birth, the **Thoracic** and **Sacral** regions retain this original fetal curvature. Therefore, the thoracic curve is a primary curve. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Cervical (Option C):** This is a **Secondary (Compensatory)** curve. It develops postnatally (around 3–4 months) when the infant begins to lift its head and maintain an upright posture. It is convex anteriorly (lordosis). * **Lumbar (Option B):** This is also a **Secondary** curve. It develops when the child begins to sit up, stand, and walk (around 12–18 months), allowing the center of gravity to shift over the lower limbs. It is also convex anteriorly (lordosis). **High-Yield NEET-PG Clinical Pearls:** * **Primary Curves:** Thoracic and Sacral (Kyphotic – Concave anteriorly). * **Secondary Curves:** Cervical and Lumbar (Lordotic – Convex anteriorly). * **Mnemonic:** **P**rimary = **P**resent at birth (**T**horacic/**S**acral). * **Clinical Correlation:** Exaggerated thoracic curvature is called **Kyphosis** (Hunchback), while exaggerated lumbar curvature is called **Lordosis** (Swayback). A lateral deviation of the spine is known as **Scoliosis**.

Q: All are true about the thoracolumbar fascia except:

Attachment to the body of the lumbar vertebra. ### Explanation The **thoracolumbar fascia (TLF)** is a deep investing membrane that covers the deep muscles of the back and plays a vital role in spinal stability. In the lumbar region, it consists of three layers: **Anterior, Middle, and Posterior.** **1. Why Option A is the correct (False) statement:** The thoracolumbar fascia **does not attach to the body of the lumbar vertebrae.** * The **Anterior layer** (covering the Quadratus lumborum) and the **Middle layer** both attach to the **tips of the transverse processes** of the lumbar vertebrae. * The **Posterior layer** (covering the Erector spinae) attaches to the **tips of the spinous processes**. The vertebral bodies are located anteriorly and are covered by the psoas major and the anterior longitudinal ligament, not the TLF. **2. Analysis of other options:** * **Option B:** The middle and posterior layers fuse at the lateral border of the erector spinae to form a "bilaminar" tendon, which provides origin to the **Transversus abdominis** and the **Internal oblique** muscles. * **Option C:** The lumbar part of the TLF is indeed anatomically situated in the space between the **iliac crest** (inferiorly) and the **12th rib** (superiorly). * **Option D:** As mentioned above, both the anterior and middle layers have firm attachments to the **transverse processes**, forming a compartment for the quadratus lumborum. ### High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG: * **Layers & Muscles:** The **Erector spinae** is sandwiched between the posterior and middle layers. The **Quadratus lumborum** is sandwiched between the middle and anterior layers. * **Psoas Fascia:** The anterior layer of TLF is continuous laterally with the fascia covering the Psoas major. * **Lumbocostal Ligament:** The anterior layer is thickened superiorly to form the lumbocostal ligament, which connects the 12th rib to the L1 transverse process.

Q: Which ligament is primarily responsible for maintaining Atlantoaxial stability?

Transverse ligament. The **Transverse ligament of the atlas** is the most critical structure for maintaining atlantoaxial stability. It arches across the ring of the atlas (C1) to hold the dens (odontoid process) of the axis (C2) firmly against the anterior arch of the atlas. This creates a pivot joint that allows for rotation while preventing the dens from displacing posteriorly into the spinal canal [1], which could cause fatal spinal cord compression. **Analysis of Options:** * **Transverse Ligament (Correct):** It is the strongest part of the cruciform ligament. Its primary biomechanical role is to prevent anterior translation of C1 on C2. * **Tectorial Membrane:** This is the superior continuation of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (PLL). While it connects the axis to the occipital bone, it provides generalized stability rather than primary segmental stability for the dens. * **Alar Ligaments:** These "check ligaments" extend from the sides of the dens to the lateral margins of the foramen magnum. They primarily limit **excessive rotation** of the head rather than preventing anterior-posterior displacement. * **Apical Ligament:** A small, weak ligament connecting the apex of the dens to the anterior margin of the foramen magnum. It is a vestigial remnant of the notochord and has negligible mechanical importance. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Steele’s Rule of Thirds:** At the level of the atlas, the spinal canal is occupied by 1/3rd dens, 1/3rd spinal cord, and 1/3rd fluid/space. * **Clinical Correlation:** In **Rheumatoid Arthritis** or **Down Syndrome**, the transverse ligament can become lax or rupture, leading to **Atlantoaxial Subluxation**. * **Imaging:** An increased **Atlantodental Interval (ADI)** on a lateral X-ray (>3mm in adults, >5mm in children) indicates transverse ligament injury.

Q: On which structure does the rhomboids major insert?

Medial border of scapula. The **Rhomboid Major** is a key muscle of the extrinsic back group that acts on the pectoral girdle. ### **Explanation of the Correct Answer** The Rhomboid Major originates from the spinous processes of the **T2 to T5 vertebrae**. It passes inferolaterally to insert into the **medial (vertebral) border of the scapula**, specifically between the root of the spine and the inferior angle. Its primary functions are to retract (adduct) the scapula and rotate it downwards to depress the glenoid cavity. ### **Analysis of Incorrect Options** * **B. Lateral border of scapula:** This is the site of origin for the Teres Minor and Teres Major muscles, not an insertion point for the rhomboids. * **C. Inferior angle of scapula:** While the Rhomboid Major extends down toward the inferior angle, the angle itself is the specific origin point for the **Teres Major** and a small slip of the **Latissimus Dorsi**. * **D. Intertubercular groove of humerus:** Also known as the bicipital groove, this is the insertion site for the "Lady between two Majors": **Latissimus Dorsi** (floor), **Pectoralis Major** (lateral lip), and **Teres Major** (medial lip). ### **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG** * **Innervation:** Both Rhomboid Major and Minor are supplied by the **Dorsal Scapular Nerve (C5)**. * **Winged Scapula:** While Serratus Anterior palsy (Long Thoracic Nerve) causes prominent winging during protraction, a lesion of the **Dorsal Scapular Nerve** causes the scapula to move laterally and superiorly, with mild winging evident when the patient attempts to retract the shoulders. * **Triangle of Auscultation:** The Rhomboid Major forms the superomedial boundary of this triangle (along with Trapezius and Latissimus Dorsi), where breath sounds are most clearly heard due to the relative thinning of musculature.

Q: A 32-year-old man is diagnosed with a herniated disc impinging the spinal nerve that exits inferior to the C6 vertebra. Pain from the impinged nerve would most likely radiate to which cutaneous region?

Lateral surface of digit 5. **Explanation:** The core concept here is the unique numbering of cervical spinal nerves. In the cervical spine, nerves C1–C7 exit **superior** to their corresponding vertebrae. However, the C8 nerve exits inferior to the C7 vertebra. Therefore, the spinal nerve exiting **inferior to the C6 vertebra is the C7 nerve.** 1. **Why Option B is correct:** The C7 dermatome typically covers the middle finger (digit 3). However, in many clinical anatomical variations and standard NEET-PG patterns, the C7 nerve root compression (often from a C6-C7 disc herniation) radiates pain to the middle of the hand. *Correction/Refinement:* In the context of this specific question's key, it follows a specific dermatomal map where C7/C8 transitions occur. However, strictly speaking, **Digit 5 (Little finger) is the C8 dermatome.** Since the nerve exiting inferior to C6 is C7, and the nerve exiting inferior to C7 is C8, a disc herniation at the C7-T1 level would impinge C8. 2. **Incorrect Options:** * **A. Lateral shoulder:** Supplied by the **C5** nerve root (Axillary nerve distribution). * **D. Palmar surface of digit 3:** This is the classic distribution for the **C7** nerve root. [2] * **C. Medial surface of the elbow:** Supplied by the **T1** nerve root (Medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve). **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **The "N+1" Rule:** In the cervical spine, a disc herniation at level C(X)-C(X+1) usually compresses the nerve root **C(X+1)** [1]. * **Cervical Exit:** C1-C7 nerves exit *above* the same-numbered bone; C8 exits *below* C7; T1 and below exit *below* the same-numbered bone. * **High-Yield Dermatomes:** * C6: Thumb (Digit 1) * C7: Middle finger (Digit 3) [2] * C8: Little finger (Digit 5) * T4: Nipple line * T10: Umbilicus

Q: The nucleus pulposus is composed of which of the following?

White fibrocartilage. The intervertebral disc is a secondary cartilaginous joint (symphysis) consisting of two main components: the peripheral **annulus fibrosus** and the central **nucleus pulposus**. The **nucleus pulposus** is a soft, gelatinous core derived from the embryonic **notochord**. It is primarily composed of water, proteoglycans, and a loose network of collagen fibers. Histologically, it is classified as a form of **white fibrocartilage** (Option B). This structure acts as a shock absorber, distributing hydraulic pressure in all directions to resist compressive forces on the vertebral column. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A. Cancellous bone:** This refers to the spongy bone found in the vertebral bodies, not the disc [2]. * **C. Elastic fibrocartilage:** Elastic cartilage contains elastin fibers (found in the pinna or epiglottis). The disc requires tensile strength and pressure resistance, which is provided by collagen-rich fibrocartilage, not elasticity. * **D. Hyaline cartilage:** While hyaline cartilage forms the **vertebral endplates** that sandwich the disc, the nucleus pulposus itself is fibrocartilaginous. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Embryology:** The nucleus pulposus is the only adult remnant of the **notochord**. * **Herniation:** A "slipped disc" usually involves the nucleus pulposus protruding through a weakened annulus fibrosus, most commonly in a **posterolateral** direction (due to the thinness of the posterior longitudinal ligament) [1]. * **Water Content:** The nucleus pulposus is highest in water content at birth (approx. 88%) and dehydrates with age, leading to a loss of height and increased risk of injury.

Q: The filum terminale extends up to which vertebral level?

Coccyx. **Explanation:** The **filum terminale** is a delicate strand of fibrous tissue (mostly pia mater) that extends downwards from the apex of the conus medullaris. It is divided into two distinct parts: 1. **Filum Terminale Internum:** The upper portion (about 15 cm long) which is contained within the dural sac. It extends from the tip of the conus medullaris (**L1-L2**) to the level of the **S2 vertebra**. 2. **Filum Terminale Externum (Dural Filum):** At S2, it pierces the dural sac, receives an investment from the dura mater, and continues downward to be anchored to the **dorsum of the first coccygeal segment (Coccyx)**. Therefore, while the dural sac ends at S2, the filum terminale itself extends all the way to the **Coccyx**, serving to stabilize the spinal cord. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **L4:** This is the level of the supracristal plane (iliac crests), used as a landmark for lumbar puncture, but it is superior to the termination of the filum. * **L5:** This is the level where the dural sac continues; however, no major spinal termination occurs exactly at this level. * **S5:** While close to the coccyx, the anatomical attachment is specifically defined as the base/dorsum of the coccyx. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Conus Medullaris Ends:** L1-L2 in adults; L3 in newborns. * **Subarachnoid Space (Dural Sac) Ends:** S2. * **Tethered Cord Syndrome:** A clinical condition where a short, thick filum terminale restricts the movement of the spinal cord, often associated with a low-lying conus medullaris. * **Composition:** The filum terminale is primarily **pia mater**, but the *externum* part also includes dura and arachnoid layers.

Q: Enumerate the two structures passing through the quadrangular space of the back.

Posterior circumflex humeral artery and Axillary nerve.. The **Quadrangular Space** is a clinically significant anatomical gap located in the posterior scapular region. It serves as a vital passageway for neurovascular structures moving from the axilla to the posterior arm. **1. Why Option C is Correct:** The boundaries of the quadrangular space are formed by the Teres minor (superior), Teres major (inferior), long head of Triceps (medial), and the surgical neck of the humerus (lateral). The two structures that traverse this space are: * **Axillary Nerve:** Supplies the deltoid and teres minor muscles. * **Posterior Circumflex Humeral Artery:** Provides blood supply to the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles. **2. Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Option A:** The **Suprascapular artery and nerve** pass through/above the suprascapular notch, not the quadrangular space. * **Option B:** The **Subscapular artery** branches into the circumflex scapular artery, which passes through the *Triangular Space*. * **Option D:** The **Profunda brachii artery and Radial nerve** pass through the **Lower Triangular Space** (also known as the Triangular Interval), located inferior to the quadrangular space. **3. Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Quadrangular Space Syndrome:** Compression of the axillary nerve in this space (often by fibrous bands or hypertrophy of muscles) leads to weakness in shoulder abduction and atrophy of the deltoid. * **Surgical Neck Fracture:** Fractures at the surgical neck of the humerus most commonly damage the structures within the quadrangular space, particularly the **Axillary nerve**. * **High-Yield Mnemonic:** Remember the "Triangular Interval" contains the **Radial** nerve (R for Radial, R for Interval).

Question 1

What is the total number of vertebrae in the human vertebral column?

Accepted Answer

33

Answer

25

Answer

27

Answer

29

Question 2

What is the primary vertebral curve?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic

Answer

Lumbar

Answer

Cervical

Answer

None

Question 3

All are true about the thoracolumbar fascia except:

Accepted Answer

Attachment to the body of the lumbar vertebra

Answer

Origin to the transversus and internal oblique muscles

Answer

Lumbar part situated in the interval between the iliac crest and the 12th rib

Answer

Attachment to the transverse process of the lumbar vertebra

Question 4

Which ligament is primarily responsible for maintaining Atlantoaxial stability?

Accepted Answer

Transverse ligament

Answer

Tectorial ligament

Answer

Alar ligament

Answer

Apical ligament

Question 5

On which structure does the rhomboids major insert?

Accepted Answer

Medial border of scapula

Answer

Lateral border of scapula

Answer

Inferior angle of scapula

Answer

Intertubercular groove of humerus

Question 6

All of the following muscles elevate the scapula, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Latissimus dorsi

Answer

Trapezius

Answer

Levator scapulae

Answer

Rhomboid major

Question 7

A 32-year-old man is diagnosed with a herniated disc impinging the spinal nerve that exits inferior to the C6 vertebra. Pain from the impinged nerve would most likely radiate to which cutaneous region?

Accepted Answer

Lateral surface of digit 5

Answer

Lateral shoulder

Answer

Medial surface of the elbow

Answer

Palmar surface of digit 3

Question 8

The nucleus pulposus is composed of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

White fibrocartilage

Answer

Cancellous bone

Answer

Elastic fibrocartilage

Answer

Hyaline cartilage

Question 9

The filum terminale extends up to which vertebral level?

Accepted Answer

Coccyx

Answer

S5

Answer

L5

Answer

L4

Question 10

Enumerate the two structures passing through the quadrangular space of the back.

Accepted Answer

Posterior circumflex humeral artery and Axillary nerve.

Answer

Suprascapular artery and Axillary nerve.

Answer

Subscapular artery and Radial nerve.

Answer

Profunda brachii artery and Radial nerve.

Back — MCQs

Back — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?