Cervical Spine Flashcards
What is the function of the cervical spine?
Mobility, support and protection of the spinal canal and neural structures
How many vertebrae in cervical?
7
How many IV discs and pairs of exiting nerve roots?
6, 8
What is the average degrees of lordosis in the cervical and which two vertebrae does this occur at most?
40 degrees, C1 and 2
Describe typical cervical vertebrae
C3-6, transverse process, transverse foramen, anterior and posterior tubercles (either side of transverse foramen), pedicle (between body and laminate), lamina, birdie spinous process, vertebral foramen
Describe atlas
C1, rig shaped, 2 lateral masses, biconcave superior articular surface, anterior arch (articular facet for odontoid/dens), posterior arch/tubercle
, inferior articular surface, transverse foramen x2, transverse processes x2
Describe axis
C2, odontoid peg (dens), 2 lateral articular facets, lamina (2 narrow), bifid spinous process
Which vertebra is known as vertebra prominens?
C7
Describe the articulations of the Atlanta-occipital joint
Occipital condyles are convex, superior articular facet of the atlas is concave
Describe the median Atlantic-axial joint, note vertebrae, type and articulations
Synovial pivot at C1-2, articulations are convex rectangular facet on the front of dens, concave inner aspect of the anterior arch of the atlas, posterior surface of the dens articulates with the transverse ligament
Describe the lateral Atlantic-axial joint, note vertebrae, type and articulations
Synovial plane at C1-2, articulations are two combine facets of the atlas with two convex facets of axis
Describe the transverse ligament, note location, articulation and cartilage and function
Divides the ring of the atlas into two compartments (anterior = dens, posterior = spinal cord), thin layer of articular cartilage on its anterior surface for articulation with dens, holds dens and atlas in close approximation (preventing anterior displacement of atlas on axis)
Describe the alar ligament, note attachment, when relaxed/taut, function and what limits
Attaches either side of dens and to the medial aspect of the occiput, relaxed in extension, prevents distraction of C1 on C2, limits flexion, rotation and side flexion
Note the attachments for the apical ligament
Apex of dens to the anterior edge of the foramen magnum
Note the attachments for ligaments nuchae
Continuation of supraspinous ligament, extends from spinous process of C7 to the external occipital protuberance, deep part attaches to the posterior tubercle of the atlas