Cervical Spine

Question 1

Atlanto-occipital (C0) ROM

Answer 1

Upper Cervical Flex/Ext: ~20 deg
Side Flexion: ~10 deg
NO ROTATION

Question 2

Atlas (C1)

Answer 2

No vertebral body or spinous process
No intervertebral disc between C1 & C2

Question 3

Axis (C2)

Answer 3

DENS
Strongest cervical vertebrae

Question 4

Atlanto-axial joint (C1-C2) ROM

Answer 4

Cervical Rotation!!! (About 60% of cervical rotation)
Rotation: ~50 deg
Flex/Ext: ~10 deg
Side Flex: ~5 deg

Question 5

Cervical Facet Joints

Answer 5

14 total
Most Facet Flex/Ext at C5/C6

Question 6

Alar Ligament

Answer 6

Protects against excessive Cervical Rotation
(Specifically contralateral rotation & lateral flexion)

Question 7

Transverse Ligament

Answer 7

Restricts forward translation of Atlas during cervical flexion (b/c it attaches to it & dens of axis)
May be Lax/weak in patients with RA or Downs Syndrome

Question 8

Vertebral Artery takes a sharp posterolateral turn at atlas causing a ___________________ stretch with cervical rotation.

Answer 8

Contralateral

Question 9

Where does C1 spinal nerve exit?

Answer 9

Between occiput & C1

Question 10

Referred Pain is a _______ problem

Answer 10

Facet related

Question 11

Dermatomal Pain is a ____________ problem

Answer 11

Nerve Root/Peripheral Nerve

Question 12

In the Intervertebral discs, the ____________ distributes axial compression forces.

Answer 12

Nucleus Pulposus

Question 13

In the intervertebral discs, the ____________ withstands tension/shear within the disc.

Answer 13

Annulus Fibrosus

Question 14

Anterolateral Craniocervical Musculature

Answer 14

Sternocleidomastoid
Scalenes
Longus Colli/Capitus
Rectus Capitis

Question 15

Posterior Craniocervical Musculature

Answer 15

Splenius Cervicis/Capitis
Suboccipitals

Question 16

Sternocleidomastoid

Answer 16

Unilateral side flexion
Contralateral Rotation

Question 17

Scalenes

Answer 17

Elevate 1st & 2nd Rib
Lateral Flexion of Cervical Spine

Question 18

Longus Colli
Longus Capitis

Answer 18

Stability
Flex & Stabilize Upper C Spine

Question 19

Rectus Capitis Anterior
Rectus Capitis Lateralis

Answer 19

Flexor of Atlanto-occipital joint
Lateral Flexor of Atlanto-occipital joint

Question 20

Suboccipital Group

Answer 20

Fine motor control of upper Cspine

Question 21

Rectus Capitis Posterior Major/Minor

Answer 21

Extension & Rotation to same side
Extension of C0-C1

Question 22

Obliquus Capitis Superior/Inferior

Answer 22

Extension, Lateral Flexion to same side
Rotation to same side

Question 23

Splenius Cervicis & Capitis

Answer 23

Lateral Flexion
Ipsilateral Rotation
Extension

Question 24

Cervical Arthrokinematics: Rotation & Side Flexion

Answer 24

C0-C2 : rotate & side bend are OPPOSITES sides
C2-C7 : rotate & side bend are SAME sides

Question 25

Craniocervical Flexion

Answer 25

Intervertebral disc: Widens posteriorly, Narrows anteriorly
Vertebra shift forward

Question 26

Craniocervical Extension

Answer 26

Vertebrae shift backward
Closed pack, position of facet joints

Question 27

Craniocervical Protraction

Answer 27

Lower to Mid C Spine: FLEXES
Upper C Spine: EXTENDS

Question 28

Craniocervical Retraction

Answer 28

Lower to Mid C Spine: EXTENDS
Upper C Spine: FLEXES