Cranial Mechanics

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Sphenobasilar synchondrosis, transverse

Question 2

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

Answer 2

Flexion, extension

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Flexion, extension, sagittal

Question 4

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 4

Basisphenoid, parallel transverse

Question 5

The diaphragm manipulated utilizing the craniosacral mechanism is the ________.

Answer 5

Tentorium cerebelli

Question 6

The cranial rhythmic impulse cycles about ________ times per minute.

Answer 6

8-10

Question 7

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

Answer 7

Compression

Question 8

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

Answer 8

Look down, flexed

Question 9

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

Answer 9

Falx cerebri, tentorium cerebelli, reciprocal tension membrane

Question 10

The principle aim of treatment is to establish ________.

Answer 10

Free and uninhibited physiologic motion

Question 11

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

Answer 11

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

Question 12

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 12

Membranous

Question 13

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

Answer 13

Parallel vertical, basisphenoid

Question 14

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

Answer 14

Anteriorly, posteriorly, elevate

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Counterclockwise, clockwise

Question 16

The paired bones move in ________ and ________.

Answer 16

External rotation, internal rotation

Question 17

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

Answer 17

Same

Question 18

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

Answer 18

SBS, anterior-posterior, superior

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Occiput, sphenoid, ethmoid, vomer

Question 20

Craniosacral extension causes the sacrum to undergo motion called ________.

Answer 20

Nutation (flexion)

Question 21

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

Answer 21

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

Question 22

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

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

Answer 22

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) the CSF flow can differ
3) the meninges can move
4) the cranial bones can move
5) the sacrum can move

Question 23

Craniosacral flexion causes the sacrum to undergo motion called ________.

Answer 23

Counternutation (extension)

Question 24

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

Answer 24

Cartilaginous