Bones

Question 1

Curve

Answer 1

> Lordosis (anterior convexity)

• mostly at C1-C2
• 40 degrees from Occiput (C0) to C7

Question 2

No. of vertebrae

Answer 2

> 7

• 6 discs
• 8 peripheral nerves

Question 3

Typical vertebrae features

Answer 3

> C3-6
Small rectangular body (carries weight of head + neck)
- body has lipped edges - joints of von luschka
Large foramen - carries majority of spinal cord
Articular pillar supporting:
- Sup + Inf Articular facets - flat + wide
- face horizontally (slope as we descend)
Anteriorly positioned transverse processes (with anterior and posterior tubercles)
- foramen transversarium (carries vertebral artery)
Bifid spinous processes

Question 4

Function

Answer 4

> Mobility
Support
Protection of spinal cord + neural structures

Question 5

C1 features

Answer 5

> ATLAS
Ring shaped
- no body (replaced by anterior arch)
- no spinous process (replaced by posterior arch)
Anterior arch (articular facet on posterior aspect for dens)
Posterior arch
Biconcave superior articular facets (receive convex occiput facets)
Inferior concave facets (articulate with axis)
2 Lateral masses (with transverse foramen)
- instead of transverse processes

Question 6

C2 features

Answer 6

> AXIS
> Odontoid peg 
- projects superiorly 
- anterior surface has facet for posterior aspect of anterior arch of C1
- sits on body of C2
> 2 Lateral articular facets 
> Transverse processes + foramina 
> 2 narrow lamina 
> Bifid spinous process

Question 7

C7 features

Answer 7

> VERTEBRA PROMINENS

• most prominent spinous process
• C6 will disappear on extension but C7 will not