In this vertebral column ligaments quiz, you can test your knowledge of the major ligaments found in the vertebral column. Ligaments link bones together, adding strength and stability to them. The ligaments of the vertebral column hold the vertebrae in place, preventing excess movement that could be damaging to the spinal cord, nerves, and surrounding tissue.
Before taking this quiz, you might want to review our vertebral column ligaments notes or watch our video on the ligaments of the vertebral column.
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Vertebral Column Ligaments Quiz
1. Which ligament runs along the entire front surface of the vertebral column, attaching to both the vertebrae bodies and the intervertebral discs?
A. Supraspinous ligament
B. Intertransverse ligament
C. Anterior longitudinal ligament
D. Ligamentum flavum
The answer is c, anterior longitudinal ligament. This ligament runs along the front surface of the bodies of the vertebrae, and it prevents hyperextension (bending backwards too much).
2. Which ligament is associated with C1 (atlas) and creates a “cross” pattern?
A. Alar ligament
B. Cruciate ligament
C. Ligamentum flavum
D. Sacrotuberous ligament
The answer is B, cruciate ligament. The word cruciate means cross, and this ligament has two bands that intersect, forming a cross-like pattern.
3. Which ligament has a yellowish color that attaches to the laminae of the adjacent vertebrae?
A. Ligamentum flavum
B. Posterior longitudinal ligament
C. interspinous ligament
D. Supraspinous ligament
The answer is a, ligamentum flavum. Flavum means “yellow,” and this ligament attaches to the laminae of the adjacent vertebrae in short, paired bands.
4. Which ligament runs along the back of the vertebral bodies, preventing hyperflexion?
A. Anterior longitudinal ligament
B. Supraspinous ligament
C. Ligamentum flavum
D. Posterior longitudinal ligament
The answer is D, posterior longitudinal ligament. This ligament runs along the entire back of the vertebral bodies, preventing hyperflexion.
5. Which ligament attaches to the tip of the spinous process of the vertebrae, from C7 to the sacrum?
A. Interspinous ligament
B. Supraspinous ligament
C. Interosseous ligament
D. Ligamentum flavum
The answer is B, supraspinous ligament. This ligament attaches to the spinous process of vertebrae from C7 to S1.
6. Which ligament attaches vertically to the transverse processes of the vertebrae, preventing excess lateral flexion?
A. Intertransverse ligament
B. Supraspinous ligament
C. Interosseous ligament
D. Ligamentum flavum
The answer is A, intertransverse ligament. This ligament prevents excess lateral flexion, and attaches to the transverse processes of the vertebrae.
7. Which ligament attaches the head and tubercle of the rib to the transverse process of the vertebra?
A. Radiate ligament of head of rib
B. Intra-articular ligament of head of rib
C. Alar ligament
D. Costotransverse ligament
The answer is D, costotransverse ligament. Let the name remind you. Costo refers to the rib, and transverse refers to the transverse process of the vertebra, which is where this ligament attaches.
8. Which ligament runs along the back of the neck, starting at C7, and attaches to the external occipital protuberance of the skull?
A. Interosseous ligament
B. Interspinous ligament
C. Nuchal ligament
D. Alar ligament
The answer is C, nuchal ligament. Nuchal refers to the nape of the neck, and this ligament runs from C7 to the external occipital protuberance of the skull.
9. Which ligament runs between the spinous processes of the vertebrae, meeting with the supraspinous ligament posteriorly and the ligamentum flavum anteriorly?
A. Nuchal ligament
B. Interosseous ligament
C. Intertransverse ligament
D. Interspinous ligament
The answer is D, interspinous ligament. This ligament runs between the spinous processes of the vertebrae, meeting the supraspinous ligament posteriorly and the ligamentum flavum anteriorly.
10. Which ligaments attach the sacrum to the ilium of each hip bone?
A. Sacroiliac ligaments
B. Sacrotuberous ligaments
C. Sacrospinous ligaments
D. Iliolumbar ligaments
The answer is A, sacroiliac ligaments. The sacroiliac ligaments consist of anterior, posterior, and interosseous ligaments.
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