Cervical Vertebrae Flashcards
How many vertebrae is the cervical segment made up of?
7
Describe the different kinds of vertebrae of the cervical segment?
2 specialised vertebrae at the top
4 typical vertebrae
1 transitional vertebrae
Where do the cervical vertebrae articulate with each other?
At the inferior and superior articular facets
Where does C1 articulate
With the superior articular facet of the occipital
What structure is in between the transverse processes and is a pathway for vessels
Transverse foramina
What vessels pass through the transverse foramina
Vertebral artery and vein
What is the inter-tubercular lamina?
Space between anterior and posterior tubercles of transverse processes
What is the different about the spinous processes of cervical vertebrae
They are bifid (2 prongs)
What are the uncinate processes?
They’re on the edges of the body and the processes loop up to stop other processes moving - locking in place to stop neck moving too much
Describe C1/atlas
- superior cervical vertebrae of the spine: cup shaped to hold the head
- it has an anterior tubercle
- no spinous process
Describe C2/Axis
- modified body
- prominent spinous process
- on top of the body, it has DENS (odontoid process)
What does the dens do?
Allow rotation of head
Describe C3-C6
Bifid spinois processes
saddle shaped bodies (change in size slightly)
Describe C7 (transitional vertebrae)
- It has different inferior articular facet angulation
- Spinous process is longer and blunter for attachment of ligamentum nuchae
- Spinous process points at a different angle (more thoracic-like)
- Helps aid in nodding movement
