Cervical Spine

Question 1

what ligaments are continuous with the ALL in the C spine?

Answer 1

atlantoaxial membrane & anterior atlanto-occipital ligament

Question 2

what motions do the anterior ligaments limit?

Answer 2

extension

Question 3

what ligament is continuous with PLL in the C spine?

Answer 3

tectorial ligament

Question 4

what motions do the posterior ligaments limit?

Answer 4

flexion

Question 5

what plane are the superior facets in?

Answer 5

transverse

Question 6

on the axis, which direction do the superior facets face?

Answer 6

superior and laterally

Question 7

on the axis, which direction do the inferior facets face?

Answer 7

anteriorly

Question 8

what motion does the tranverse ligament prevent?

Answer 8

prevents anterior displacement of C1 on C2

Question 9

RA and Down syndrome occur due to the decreased integrity of the _________ ligament.

Answer 9

transverse

Question 10

when does the alar ligament tighten?

Answer 10

during flexion

Question 11

what movements do the alar ligament limit?

Answer 11

bilateral rotation, contralateral flexion

Question 12

how is the annulus different?(3)

Answer 12

no alternating layers, and thick anteriorly

not stresed with flexion or rotation

Question 13

what do IV joints specifically contain?

Answer 13

joints of Lushka

Question 14

how is the lower C spine oriented on the plane?

Answer 14

45 degrees from transverse

Question 15

how many degrees of flexion do you get at the AO joint?

Answer 15

10-30 degrees

Question 16

what movement does the AA joint allow for?

Answer 16

45 degrees of rotation – 55-58% of total motion

Question 17

action of trap

Answer 17

extension, ipsilateral lateral flexion, contralateral rotation

Question 18

levator scap action

Answer 18

ipsilateral flexion, ipsilateral rotation

Question 19

suboccipital muscles action

Answer 19

ipsilateral flexion, ipsilateral rotation
occipital extension
fine tune motion

Question 20

action of scalenes

Answer 20

flexion, ipsilateral flexion, contralateral rotation

Question 21

what do longissimus capitis and cervicis allow for?

Answer 21

compression & stabilization of head

Question 22

what muscles are the source for headaches? When are they not active? are they a prime mover? what is the action?

Answer 22

splenius capitus and cervicis
at rest
yes
extension and ipsilateral rotation

Question 23

action of longus capitis and colli

Answer 23

compression of C spine

stabilizers, synergy with upper trap

Question 24

what are herniations caused by?

Answer 24

damage to the posterior longitudinal ligament

Question 25

what is the orientation of the C spine in relation to the transverse plane?

Answer 25

45 degrees

Question 26

what are the functions of the C spine?

Answer 26

movement

protects spinal chord

Question 27

what structures limit the motion of extension?

Answer 27

facet joints

disc

Question 28

where does the COM sit in relation to the axis of rotation?

Answer 28

anterior

Question 29

what ultimately keeps the head up?

Answer 29

the greater torque of the extensors

Question 30

what is the function of the uncovertebral joints?

Answer 30

limits lateral flexion, posterior translation

Question 31

what does the uncovertebral cleft increase?

Answer 31

ROM