Anatomy and Biomechanics of cervical spine

Question 1

function of cervical spine

Answer 1

Support weight of head
Position special senses for optimal function
mobile & stable
vertical & horizontal plane
Protect spinal cord
Protect Vertebral Arteries

Question 2

blood supply of the head and the neck

Answer 2

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

Question 3

functionally what is considered the upper cervical spine

Answer 3

C0-2

Question 4

what is considered the mid lower cervical spine

Answer 4

C3-7

Question 5

List the craniovertebral ligaments

Answer 5

transverse ligaments
alar ligaments
tectorial membrane

Question 6

list the location and function of transverse ligament

Answer 6

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

Question 7

list location and function of alar ligament

Answer 7

location - attach the dens of C2 (Axis) to the occipital condyles
function - controls motion both at the C0/1 and C1/2 joints

Question 8

location and function of tectorial membrane

Answer 8

location - the thickened end of the posterior longitudinal ligament
function - prevents anterior subluxation of the head on the cervical spine and limits flexion

Question 9

what type of joint is the atlanto-occipital joint

Answer 9

condyloid joint
convex - oval shaped occipital condyle
concave - superior articular facets on atlas

Question 10

describe the type of joint atlanto axial joint is

Answer 10

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

Question 11

describe facet apophyseal joint

Answer 11

45˚ plane
Weight bearing
Meniscoid inclusions  C1-7 attached to capsule: protect articular cartilage

Question 12

describe uncovertebral joints

Answer 12

joints / pseudoarthroses – C3-6
degenerate early in life – danger of osteophytes
protect disc from shear

Question 13

How is the atlas (C1) different from a typical cervical vertebra?

Answer 13

it has no spinous process or vertebral body

Question 14

The Transverse ligament stabilises the atlanto-axial segment (C1/2) and protects the spinal cord from the dens. Which physiological movement stresses this ligament?

Answer 14

flexion

Question 15

Uncovertebral joints fulfil which of the following functions?

Answer 15

Protect the disc from shear

Question 16

Facet joints in the cervical spine bear more weight than in the lumbar spine. In which plane are they orientated?

Answer 16

45 degrees up from the horizontal / transverse plane

Question 17

Which sub-occipital muscle has a direct attachment to the dural meningeal layer?

Answer 17

Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor

Question 18

Which segment of the cervical spine contributes the most motion to rotation?

Answer 18

C1/2

Question 19

Which segmental level contributes the most motion in the cervical spine to total flexion and extension?

Answer 19

C5-6

Question 20

At the atlanto-occipital segment (C0-1), flexion is accompanied by glide of the occipital condyles in what direction?

Answer 20

Posterior glide

Question 21

Lateral flexion in the craniovertebral region occurs mostly at which segmental level?

Answer 21

C0-1

Question 22

What is the relationship of movement coupling in the mid-lower cervical spine?

Answer 22

Rotation causes ipsilateral sideflexion at the same segmental level

Question 23

what structures restrains cervical flexion

Answer 23

Facet joint capsules
interspinous and supraspinous ligts
ligamentum nuchae and flava
PLL
Posterior AF
Transverse ligament

Question 24

what structures restrain cervical extension

Answer 24

Oesophagus & trachea
Anterior AF
ALL

Question 25

what structures restrain cervical side flexion

Answer 25

Alar ligaments
Contralateral AF
Facet joint capsule
Intertransverse ligaments

Question 26

what structures restrain cervical rotation

Answer 26

AF
Facet joint capsule
Contralateral Alar ligaments (excessive rotn may damage)