Cervical Spine Flashcards
what ligaments are continuous with the ALL in the C spine?
atlantoaxial membrane & anterior atlanto-occipital ligament
what motions do the anterior ligaments limit?
extension
what ligament is continuous with PLL in the C spine?
tectorial ligament
what motions do the posterior ligaments limit?
flexion
what plane are the superior facets in?
transverse
on the axis, which direction do the superior facets face?
superior and laterally
on the axis, which direction do the inferior facets face?
anteriorly
what motion does the tranverse ligament prevent?
prevents anterior displacement of C1 on C2
RA and Down syndrome occur due to the decreased integrity of the _________ ligament.
transverse
when does the alar ligament tighten?
during flexion
what movements do the alar ligament limit?
bilateral rotation, contralateral flexion
how is the annulus different?(3)
no alternating layers, and thick anteriorly
not stresed with flexion or rotation
what do IV joints specifically contain?
joints of Lushka
how is the lower C spine oriented on the plane?
45 degrees from transverse
how many degrees of flexion do you get at the AO joint?
10-30 degrees
what movement does the AA joint allow for?
45 degrees of rotation – 55-58% of total motion
action of trap
extension, ipsilateral lateral flexion, contralateral rotation
levator scap action
ipsilateral flexion, ipsilateral rotation
suboccipital muscles action
ipsilateral flexion, ipsilateral rotation
occipital extension
fine tune motion
action of scalenes
flexion, ipsilateral flexion, contralateral rotation
what do longissimus capitis and cervicis allow for?
compression & stabilization of head
what muscles are the source for headaches? When are they not active? are they a prime mover? what is the action?
splenius capitus and cervicis
at rest
yes
extension and ipsilateral rotation
action of longus capitis and colli
compression of C spine
stabilizers, synergy with upper trap
what are herniations caused by?
damage to the posterior longitudinal ligament
what is the orientation of the C spine in relation to the transverse plane?
45 degrees
what are the functions of the C spine?
movement
protects spinal chord
what structures limit the motion of extension?
facet joints
disc
where does the COM sit in relation to the axis of rotation?
anterior
what ultimately keeps the head up?
the greater torque of the extensors
what is the function of the uncovertebral joints?
limits lateral flexion, posterior translation
what does the uncovertebral cleft increase?
ROM
