Anatomy-Craniovertebral Joints

Question 1

What structure is indicated below?

Answer 1

This is the tectorial membrane. It extends from the base of the occipital bone to the posterior surface of C2. It lies beneath the dura.

Question 2

Why can transverse ligament ruptures be so fatal for patients?

Answer 2

Normally it holds the dense forward. When it is ruptured, the dense can compress the spinal cord.

Question 3

What ligaments are indicated below? Why are these clinically significant?

Answer 3

1) Apical ligament 2) Alar ligament. The alar ligament is the “check” ligament and keeps your head from rotating too far each way.

Question 4

Through what membrane does the superior portion of the vertebral artery perforate?

Answer 4

Atlanto-occipital membrane

Question 5

What movements are coordinated by the AO joint and AA joint respectively?

Answer 5

*

Question 6

What pre vertebral muscles are at risk for injury when a patient has whiplash from a car accident?

Answer 6

1) Longus colli 2) Longus capitis

Question 7

What cervical sympathetic ganglion is located near the bifurcation of the common carotid artery?

Answer 7

Superior cervical ganglion

Question 8

What cervical sympathetic ganglion is located near the inferior thyroid artery?

Answer 8

Middle cervical ganglion

Question 9

What cervical sympathetic ganglion is located beneath the vertebral artery?

Answer 9

Inferior cervical ganglion

Question 10

What ganglion are connected by this nerve?

Answer 10

This is the ansa subclavia. It connects the MCG to the ICG.

Question 11

Where do all of the cervical lymph nodes drain into?

Answer 11

Deep cervical lymph nodes that lie along the IJV. Nodes that drain into them come from the sub mental, submandibula and mastoid lymph nodes.