These statements and questions are provided as a study aid to help you gauge your level of understanding of the region.

1.  What muscles of the upper limb are in the back?     

 Hint Is the scapula a bone of the upper limb?

2.  How are the limb muscles and back muscles innervated?     

 Hint Dorsal vs ventral rami

3.  Why is the thoraco-lumbar fascia important?     

 Hint Think of muscle attachments.

4.  Name the parts of a typical vertebra.     

 Hint These are generic to all vertebrae.

5.  What are the distinguishing features of cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae?       

 Hint Foramina, facets, mamillary body, etc.

6.  How are vertebrae held together?     

 Hint Know all the ligaments

7.  Compare the planes of the articular surfaces of the cervical, thoracic and
lumbar vertebrae.     

 Hint See number 5.

8.  What is the extent of the epidural space and where is it most spacious?     

 Hint "epi" means above

9.  Describe the relation of the dura to the vertebral canal.     

 Hint Does the dura extend the entire length?

10. What is the extent of the subarachnoid space?     

 Hint This space contains the CSF.

11. What structures are formed from pia?     

 Hint Something "toothy", something terminal.

12. Where does the spinal cord end inferiorly?     

 Hint Very important clinically.

13. What is the cauda equina?     

 Hint "Horse's tail"

14. Why is a spinal puncture done in the lower lumbar region?     

 Hint See #12.

15. Why would an epidural abscess in the thoracic region be more
dangerous than in the sacral region?     

 Hint Think what's inferior to each lesion.

16. Explain why a fifth lumbar "slipped disc" causes pain in the
1st sacral nerve distribution.     

 Hint See Moore p. 502-504.

17. What are the parts of a typical spinal nerve?     

 Hint Remember differences between 'root' and 'ramus'.

18. Where are the cell-bodies of sensory fibers in a nerve to
the back?     

 Hint Think dorsal root ganglion.

19. Compare the contents of the spinal canal in the thoracic,
lumbar and lower sacral region.     

 Hint Remember the meninges.

20. Why is a broken neck often fatal?     

 Hint What nerve exits at C4?

21. Why is there usually no paralysis following a fractured
lumbar vertebra?     

 Hint How mobile is the cauda equina?

22. What is the blood supply to the spinal cord?     

 Hint See Moore p. 529-30

23. How could an abdominal or thoracic surgical procedure, which
does not disturb the vertebral column, cause a paraplegia?     

 Hint Think blood supply.