Cervical I Flashcards
Where does most of the rotation in the cervical spine occur?
Between C1 and C2
Unlike other vertebrae, the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae are (anterior or posterior) to the facet joints
Anterior
What are the typical vertebrae?
C3-C6
What are the two atypical cervical vertebrae?
C1 and C2
What is characteristic about the spinous process of C3-C6?
Bifid
What are the vertebral bodies shaped like for C3- C6?
Saddle shaped
Which cervical vertebral bodies have transverse foramen for the vertebral arteries? Which one does not hold the vertebral artery?
C3-C7
C7 does not hold the artery
Is the spinous process of C7 bifid?
no
What is unique about C1?
Does not have a body or a spinous process
What are the facets like in C1?
Concave superior
Is there a disc between the occiput and the atlas? What is the joint called?
no–occipito-atlantal joint
What serves as the body of C1?
The odontoid process
What are the facets like on C2? What do these articulate with?
Convex superior
Articulate with convex cartilage covering the inferior facets of C1
Is there a disc between C2 and C1?
no
How are the facets situated in the cervical spine?
Backwards, upwards, and medial (BUM BUL BUM)
What are the articular pillars?
The columnar arrangement of the facets
Where are the facets of the cervical spine relative to the transverse processes?
Posterior to them
What are we palpating in the cervical spine: the transverse processes, or the facets?
The facets
What are the joints of Luschka?
Joints located at the lateral/posterior surface of the cervical vertebral bodies
What are the uncinate processes of the cervical spine?
Projections located on the superior aspect of each cervical body, that participate in the uncovertebral joints
What is the function of the uncovertebral joints?
Protects the cervical nerves from pressure
What is the function of the cervical spine?
Supports the skull and provide mobility
What are the two transitional areas that the cervical spine participates in?
OA/AA/C2 and C7/T1
What does the ALL protect against?
Hyperextension