Anatomy and Biomechanics of cervical spine Flashcards
function of cervical spine
Support weight of head
Position special senses for optimal function
mobile & stable
vertical & horizontal plane
Protect spinal cord
Protect Vertebral Arteries
blood supply of the head and the neck
aorta
brachiocephalic artery
r and left subclavian artery
r and l vertebral artery
r and l common carotid artery
r and l external carotid artery
r and l internal carotid artery
functionally what is considered the upper cervical spine
C0-2
what is considered the mid lower cervical spine
C3-7
List the craniovertebral ligaments
transverse ligaments
alar ligaments
tectorial membrane
list the location and function of transverse ligament
location - across and inferior to the superior articular surfaces of the atlas making contact with the dens of the axis
function - stabilises the atlanto-axial segment and protects the spinal cord from the dens
list location and function of alar ligament
location - attach the dens of C2 (Axis) to the occipital condyles
function - controls motion both at the C0/1 and C1/2 joints
location and function of tectorial membrane
location - the thickened end of the posterior longitudinal ligament
function - prevents anterior subluxation of the head on the cervical spine and limits flexion
what type of joint is the atlanto-occipital joint
condyloid joint
convex - oval shaped occipital condyle
concave - superior articular facets on atlas
describe the type of joint atlanto axial joint is
plane joint
lateral masses of at last and inferior articular facets on atlas
pivot joint - b/w dens and anterior arch of atlas and transverse ligament
describe facet apophyseal joint
45˚ plane
Weight bearing
Meniscoid inclusions C1-7 attached to capsule: protect articular cartilage
describe uncovertebral joints
joints / pseudoarthroses – C3-6
degenerate early in life – danger of osteophytes
protect disc from shear
How is the atlas (C1) different from a typical cervical vertebra?
it has no spinous process or vertebral body
The Transverse ligament stabilises the atlanto-axial segment (C1/2) and protects the spinal cord from the dens. Which physiological movement stresses this ligament?
flexion
Uncovertebral joints fulfil which of the following functions?
Protect the disc from shear
Facet joints in the cervical spine bear more weight than in the lumbar spine. In which plane are they orientated?
45 degrees up from the horizontal / transverse plane
Which sub-occipital muscle has a direct attachment to the dural meningeal layer?
Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
Which segment of the cervical spine contributes the most motion to rotation?
C1/2
Which segmental level contributes the most motion in the cervical spine to total flexion and extension?
C5-6
At the atlanto-occipital segment (C0-1), flexion is accompanied by glide of the occipital condyles in what direction?
Posterior glide
Lateral flexion in the craniovertebral region occurs mostly at which segmental level?
C0-1
What is the relationship of movement coupling in the mid-lower cervical spine?
Rotation causes ipsilateral sideflexion at the same segmental level
what structures restrains cervical flexion
Facet joint capsules
interspinous and supraspinous ligts
ligamentum nuchae and flava
PLL
Posterior AF
Transverse ligament
what structures restrain cervical extension
Oesophagus & trachea
Anterior AF
ALL
