Atlanto-occipital Joint Flashcards
What is the classification of the atlanto-occipital joint?
Diarthrosis ellipsoidal
What is the classic function of the anterior atlanto-occipital ligament?
It brakes or limits “extension” of the skull over the cervical spine
What is the classic function of the posterior atlanto-occipital ligament?
Brakes or limits axial rotation, flexion, and perhaps lateral bending of the skull on atlas
What amount of flexion-extension is accommodated by the atlanto-occipital joint?
about 25 degress
What amount of axial rotation is accommodated by the atlanto-occipital joint?
about 3-8 degrees one side axial rotation
What amount of lateral bending is accommodated by the atlanto-occipital joint?
about 5 degrees
Which motion is best accommodation by the atlanto-occipital joint?
flexion/extension
