Cervical Flashcards
What structures make up the upper cervical spine?
Occipital condyles, C1, and C2 vertebrae
What structures make up the mid-cervical spine?
C3 to C6 vertebrae
What structures make up the lower cervical spine?
C7 to T4 vertebrae
What is a unique anatomical feature of the cervical spine?
Transverse foramen
What is missing in the Atlas (C1) vertebra?
No vertebral body or spinous process
What structures on the Atlas (C1) provide muscular attachment?
Lateral masses with large transverse processes
What is the shape of the superior facets of the Atlas (C1)?
Large and concave
What is the shape of the inferior facets of the Atlas (C1)?
Slightly convex
What structure on the anterior arch of the Atlas (C1) articulates with the Dens of C2?
Facet for the Dens of C2
What are the primary functions of the Axis (C2) vertebra?
Transmit load from the head and atlas, and rotate the head and atlas
What is the function of the anterior facet on the Dens (odontoid) process?
Articulates with the atlas
What is the function of the posterior groove on the Dens (odontoid) process?
Provides a passage for the transverse ligament
What is the orientation of the superior facets of the Axis (C2)?
Face upward and outward, slightly convex
What is the orientation of the inferior facets of the Axis (C2)?
Face downward and forward, slightly concave
What is the coupling motion of the C1-C2 segment?
Contralateral coupling
When the head rotates to the right, what motion occurs at C1?
C1 side bends to the left
What anatomical feature causes contralateral coupling at C1-C2?
Their unique convex-on-convex articulation allows for a high degree of rotation, as the surfaces glide over each other rather than interlocking like typical vertebral joints.
Additionally, the posterior part of the superior articular surface of C2 is twice as steep as the anterior part, so when the atlas (C1) rotates in one direction, it also tilts slightly in the opposite direction.
What are the characteristics of the vertebral bodies in C3-C7?
Small vertebral bodies with a greater transverse diameter than A-P
What structure in C3-C7 forms the uncovertebral joints?
Uncinate process
What is the function of the uncovertebral joints in C3-C7?
Create stability and decrease the likelihood of disc herniation
What structures do C3-C7 contain that are typical of vertebrae?
Pedicles and laminae
What is the shape of the superior facet joints in C3-C7?
Flat and oval-shaped
What is the orientation of the superior facet joints in C3-C7?
Face superior and posterior
How does the height and depth of the superior facets change from C3 to C7?
Both height and depth increase from C3 to C7
What is the orientation of the inferior facet joints in C3-C7?
Face inferior and anterior
How does the angle of the inferior facets compare to the frontal plane?
Closer to the frontal plane
What type of joints are the intervertebral joints of C3-C7?
Saddle joints
What is the concave-convex relationship in the sagittal plane for C3-C7 intervertebral joints?
Concave on convex
What is the concave-convex relationship in the frontal plane for C3-C7 intervertebral joints?
Convex on concave
(inferior body is concave due to uncinate processes)
What is the range of motion (ROM) for flexion at C0-C1?
20-25°
What is the range of motion (ROM) for flexion at C2-C7?
35°
What is the range of motion (ROM) for extension at C0-C1?
20-25°
What is the range of motion (ROM) for extension at C2-C7?
45°
What is the range of motion (ROM) for rotation at C0-C2?
40-45°
What is the range of motion (ROM) for rotation at C2-C7?
40-45°
What is the range of motion (ROM) for lateral bending at C0-C1?
5-10°
What is the range of motion (ROM) for lateral bending at C2-C7?
20-45°
Where are uncovertebral joints located?
Between C3-T1
What structures make up the uncovertebral joints?
Uncinate processes above and below each vertebra
What is one of the first locations of degeneration in the cervical spine?
Uncovertebral joints
How do uncovertebral joint restrictions primarily affect cervical motion?
Significantly restrict cervical sidebend
What cervical motions remain relatively normal with uncovertebral joint restrictions?
Rotation, flexion, and extension
What is a key clinical sign of uncovertebral joint restriction?
Normal flexion/extension mobility but hypomobile sideglides
Why might addressing facet joint restrictions not fully resolve uncovertebral joint dysfunction?
Because uncovertebral joint restriction requires specific gapping mobilization/manipulation
What treatment technique is required to address uncovertebral joint restriction?
Gapping mobilization/manipulation
