Question

What is the range of anatomy that should be covered for examination of one intervertebral disc space?

a. from the pedicle of the vertebra above the disc to the pedicle of the vertebra below the disc
b. from the spinous process of the vertebra above the disc to the spinous process of the vertebra below the disc
c. from the apophyseal joint about the disc to the apophyseal joint of the vertebra below the disc
d. from the superior articular process of the vertebra above the disc to the superior articular process of the vertebra below the disc

Answer 1

The range of anatomy to be covered for the examination of one intervertebral disc space is from the pedicle of the vertebra above the disc to the pedicle of the vertebra below the disc, encompassing the disc structure, adjacent vertebral bodies, and intervertebral foramen.

Step-by-step explanation:

The examination of one intervertebral disc space should ideally cover the anatomy from the pedicle of the vertebra above the disc to the pedicle of the vertebra below the disc. The pedicles are part of the vertebral arch which, along with the laminae, form the boundaries for the vertebral foramen to allow passage of the spinal cord. Intervertebral discs themselves are fibrocartilaginous pads that fill the gap between adjacent vertebral bodies and are essential for allowing movement and providing cushioning between the vertebrae.

The anatomy in this range includes not only the disc itself, consisting of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus but also the vertebral bodies to which the disc is anchored, and the intervertebral foramen through which spinal nerves exit. Covering this range ensures that all structures directly affected by or interacting with the intervertebral disc are examined.