C-Spine

Question 1

What makes the c-spine special?

Answer 1

foramina in each transverse process

Question 2

T/F: Atlas (C1) does not have any body or spinous process

Answer 2

True

Question 3

T/F: Axis (C2) has the odontoid (dens), and the superior articular facets.

Answer 3

False; It does have the dens and the superior articular facet, but the inferior facet is also present in Axis

Question 4

What is another term for facet joints?

Answer 4

Apophyseal joints

Question 5

These facet joints are oriented to how many degrees in what plane(s)?

Answer 5

45 degrees in the sagittal plane and neutral in the coronal plane

Question 6

Superior facet (of the lower vertebra) is ______and _______to the inferior articular process of the vertebra above.

Answer 6

Superior facet (of the lower vertebra) is ANTERIOR and INFERIOR to the inferior articular process of the vertebra above

Question 7

What type of discs lie between the vertebrae?

Answer 7

Intervertebral discs

Question 8

What supporting ligaments run the entire length of the spinal cord?

Answer 8

1. Anterior longitudinal ligament
2. Posterior longitudinal ligament
3. Ligamentum nuchae

Question 9

What are your Anterolateral Neck Muscles?

Answer 9

Sternocleidomastoid -
Scalenes-
Splenius - capitis & cervicis

Question 10

What movements does your Sternocleidomastoid have?

Answer 10

Flexion & lateral rotation

Question 11

What movements do your Scalenes have?

Answer 11

Flexion & lateral rotation

Question 12

What is the purpose of the Splenius (capitis & cervicis) muscle?

Answer 12

deep to the trapezius muscle & bear most of the responsibility for head extension

Question 13

What is the purpose of the Trapezius?

Answer 13

Helps extend the head, but mostly works on the shoulder region

Question 14

What is the cervical sympathetic chain ?

Answer 14

it is made up of various ganglia (superior cervical ganglion, middle cervical ganglion, vertebral ganglion, and stellate ganglion) that are located in the neck region

Question 15

How many cervical vertebra are there?

Answer 15

7

Question 16

How many cervical nerve roots are there?

Answer 16

8

Question 17

Where do the cervical nerve roots exit?

Answer 17

above the cervical vertebra of the named level

Question 18

The C3 nerve root exits _____ the C3 vertebra

Answer 18

ABOVE

Question 19

T/F: Nerve root impingement by a herniated cervical disc will affect the exiting nerve root.

Answer 19

T

Question 20

The C5-6 herniated disc will affect which nerve root?

Answer 20

C6

Question 21

What does Radiculopathy imply?

Answer 21

impingement on a nerve root;

Question 22

What does myelopathy imply?

Answer 22

impingement on the spinal cord

Question 23

Where do the vertebral arteries branch from?

Answer 23

subclavian arteries

Question 24

Where do the vertebral arteries run?

Answer 24

anterior to C7 and then through the vascular foramen (in the transverse processes of C6 through Cl); the

Question 25

Where do the vertebral arteries enter the skull?

Answer 25

through the foramen magnum and unite to be come the basilar artery

Question 26

What do the vertebral arteries supply?

Answer 26

the spinal cord and vertebrae in the cervical of the cranium

Question 27

What is part of the physical exam of the cervical spine?

Answer 27

1. Observation
2. Palpation
3. Range-of-Motion
4. Neurovascular Exam
5. Strength Testing
6. Special Tests