Cervical Spine - Lower Cervical/Typical Vertebrae

Question 1

lower cervical

Answer 1

C3-C7

Question 2

typical vertebrae

Answer 2

C3-C6

Question 3

anatomy of typical cervical vertebrae

Answer 3

body small, uncinate processes

transverse foramen on transverse process

bifid spinous process

Question 4

intervertebral disc on typical vertebrae are shaped like what?

Answer 4

crescent shape - thick anterior and taper laterally

posterior longitudinally ligament contains nucleus posteriorly

joint cavity at uncinate process forms uncovertebral joint

Question 5

what is the clinical relevance uncovertebral joint?

Answer 5

bone spurs can arise here and press on nerves

Question 6

facet joints

Answer 6

true synovial joints containing fibroadipose meniscoids

joint capsules are lax in transitional zones

Question 7

where are lower cervical facet joints?

Answer 7

45 degrees off the frontal plane and transverse planes which maximizes motion in all three planes

Question 8

osteokinematics of protraction

Answer 8

upper cervical extension and lower cervical flexion

Question 9

osteokinematics of retraction

Answer 9

upper cervical flexion and lower cervical extension

Question 10

prolonged protraction results in what?

Answer 10

forward head posture

causes lengthening of deep neck flexors and scapular retractors and tightening of the pecs and upper trap/levator scapula

Question 11

spinal coupling in the lower cervical spine occurs where?

Answer 11

lower C spine secondary to facet joint orientation at 45 degree inclination

Question 12

what movements occur at the same time in spinal coupling?

Answer 12

lateral flexion and rotation because the upper vertebra follows the plane of the facet of the lower vertebra

also occurs in the same direction

Question 13

if lateral flexion and rotation occurred in isolation what would happen?

Answer 13

cause the facet joints to come in contact with one another blocking motion

Question 14

arthrokinematics of intracervical at the sagittal plane

Answer 14

flexion: inferior facet slides superior and anterior
extension: inferior facet slides inferior and posterior

Question 15

arthrokinematics of intracervical at the transverse plane

Answer 15

same side as rotation: inferior facet slides posterior and slightly inferior

opposite side as rotation: inferior facet slides anterior and slightly superior

Question 16

arthrokinematics of intracervical at the frontal plane

Answer 16

same side: inferior facet slides inferior and slightly posterior

opposite side: inferior facet slides superior and slightly anterior

Question 17

what is function of the cervical spine?

Answer 17

stability, protection and mobility

most flexibility

atlas designed to allow for more free space to prevent impingement