Cranial Mechanics

Question 1

Torsions refer to twisting at the ________ about an ________ axis. They are named based on which greater wing of the sphenoid is ________.

Answer 1

SBS, anterior-posterior, superior

Question 2

During flexion of the SBS, the sphenoid rotates ________ while the occiput rotates ________. The basisphenoid and basiocciput both ________ during flexion.

Answer 2

Anteriorly, posteriorly, elevate

Question 3

The principle aim of treatment is to establish ________.

Answer 3

Free and uninhibited physiologic motion

Question 4

Side-bending and rotation occurs when the sphenoid and occiput move ________ each other on one side. They are named for the ________ side.

Answer 4

Toward, convex (the convex side is the side that is opposite of where the sphenoid and occiput move closer together)

Question 5

The cranial vault is formed by the frontal bone, parietal bones, and the squamous portions of the occipital and temporal bones. They all arise from ________ type bone.

Answer 5

Membranous

Question 6

In a superior vertical strain, the head will ________. This corresponds to a ________ sphenoid.

Answer 6

Look down, flexed

Question 7

The paired bones move in ________ and ________.

Answer 7

External rotation, internal rotation

Question 8

The straight sinus is located at the junction of the ________ and the ________. This is the location of the ________.

Answer 8

Falx cerebri, tentorium cerebelli, reciprocal tension membrane

Question 9

Looking at someone’s skull from behind (posterior view), a right torsion would result in the sphenoid rotating ________ and the occiput rotating ________.

Answer 9

Counterclockwise, clockwise

Question 10

The four unpaired midline bones are the ________, ________, ________, and ________.

Answer 10

Occiput, sphenoid, ethmoid, vomer

Question 11

The cranial rhythmic impulse cycles about ________ times per minute.

Answer 11

8-10

Question 12

The main articulation of the skull is the ________ in which the sphenoid and occiput exhibit flexion and extension and rotate about ________ axes.

Answer 12

Sphenobasilar synchondrosis, transverse

Question 13

The cranial base is formed by the sphenoid, the petrous and mastoid parts of the temporal bones, and the basilar and condylar parts of the occipital bone. They all arise from ________ type bone.

Answer 13

Cartilaginous

Question 14

Craniosacral flexion causes the sacrum to undergo motion called ________.

Answer 14

Counternutation (extension)

Question 15

Five components contribute to palpable “cranial rhythmic impulse” (CRI). They are:

1) ________
2) ________
3) ________
4) ________
5) ________

Answer 15

1) inherent mobility of the brain and spinal cord
2) fluctuation of the CSF
3) motility of intracranial and intraspinal meninges
4) Articular mobility of the cranial bones
5) Involuntary mobility of the sacrum between the ilia

Simplified:

1) the brain and spinal cord can move
2) CSF flows
3) the meninges can move
4) the cranial bones can move
5) the sacrum can move

Question 16

The diaphragm manipulated utilizing the craniosacral mechanism is the ________.

Answer 16

Tentorium cerebelli

Question 17

In lateral strains, both the sphenoid and occiput rotate about their vertical axes in the ________ direction.

Answer 17

Same

Question 18

Similar to lateral strains, vertical strains are named for the direction that the ________ moves. However, the sphenoid and occiput rotate about two ________ axes in the same direction.

Answer 18

Basisphenoid, parallel transverse

Question 19

In ________, there is no motion at the SBS due to the sphenoid and occiput being pushed together.

Answer 19

Compression

Question 20

Lateral strains occur about two ________ axes of rotation. They are named for the direction that the ________ moves.

Answer 20

Parallel vertical, basisphenoid

Question 21

Craniosacral extension causes the sacrum to undergo motion called ________.

Answer 21

Nutation (flexion)

Question 22

External rotation occurs during ________ of the skull, and internal rotation occurs during ________.

Answer 22

Flexion, extension

Question 23

The unpaired bones move in ________ and ________ and move within the ________ plane.

Answer 23

Flexion, extension, sagittal

Question 24

Contraindications to cranial treatment include ________, ________, ________, ________, ________, and ________.

Answer 24

Intracranial hemorrhage, unstable intracranial pressure, age (≤ 6), trauma, seizure, malignancy