applied anatomy + biomechanics cervical spine Flashcards
what are the functions of the cervical spine?
-support weight of head
-position special senses for optimal function
-protects spinal cord
-protect vertebral arteries
where do the vertebral arteries ascend?
from c6 vertebrae up
what vertebrae are in the cervical spine?
C1-C7
what are the 2 first vertebrae?
C1= atlas
C2= axis
describe the atlas
-no spinous process or a body
-anterior arch has 3 features: anterior tubercle, facet + transverse ligament
-superiorly, the facets articulate with the occipital condyles of the occipital bone of the skull
describe the axis
the second cervical vertebrae
-has a prominent projection called the dens (odontoid process)
-forms the atlantoaxial joint between atlas and axis to allow rotational movement
describe C7
-atypical vertebrae
-spinous process is the longest and easily palpated when the head is flexed
-the spinous process is not bifid
describe the typical cervical vertebrae
-vertebral body - small
-transverse process
-spinous process project posteriorly
-vertebral foramen
-vertebral arch
-articular process
what is the function of the transverse ligament?
-stabilises the Atlanto-axial segment and protects the spinal cord from the dens
describe the alar ligament
controls motion both at the C0/1 and C1/2 joints
what is the tectorial ligament?
an extension of the posterior longitudinal ligament
what kind of joint is the Atlanto-occipital joint?
- a condyloid joint - a complex, oval shaped occipital condyle fits into a concave shaped superior articular facet on the atlas
what type of joints are the atlanto-axial joints?
-plane joints
-pivot joints
what are the 3 joints of each typical cervical vertebrae?
-facet / apophyseal joint
-uncovertebral joints
-interbody joints / discs
what is an example of a dermatome map of the cervical spine
what are the sub occipital muscles?
how are the neck muscles divided?
-anterior
-lateral
-posterior
what are examples of some of the neck muscles?
-SCM muscle
-scalene muscles - anterior, middle, posterior
-levator scapulae
-trapezius
-splenius capititis and splenius cervicis
what are the restraints to cervical flexion?
-ligamentum nuchae
-intrspinous + supraspinous ligaments
-posterior longitudinal ligament
what are restraints to cervical extension?
-the oesophagus and trachea
-the anterior longitudinal ligament
what muscle shortening can be seen with a forward head posture?
the sub occipital muscles
what are the restraints to cervical side flexion?
-intertransverse ligaments
-contralateral annulus fibrosis
-alar ligaments
what are restraints to cervical rotation?
-annulus fibrosis
-facet joint capsule
