Cranio-Vertebral Joints Flashcards
Subluxation
Partial dislocation of vertebral body
What do the articular facets of the cervical vertebra permit
Flexion-extension and rotation
Cervical vertebra permitting flexion-extension but not rotation
C1 (atlas)
Cervical vertebra permitting rotation but not flexion-extension
C2 (axis)
Ligaments of Cranio-Vertebral Joints
1) Anterior Atlantooccipital Membrane
2) Membrana Tectoria
3) Posterior Atlantooccipital
Attaches to inner side of atlas; holds dens anteriorly
transverse ligament of atlas
Hangman’s Fracture
Joint C1-C2 not meant to Flex-Ext; sudden drop breaks vertebrae and ligaments; vertebrae can penetrate CNS, causing instantaneous death
Alar Ligaments
Run from dens to occipital bone; prevents excessive rotation of the head
Function of the Prevertebral Muscles
flex neck/head
Innervation of the Prevertebral Muscles
Cervical Ventral Rami
Prevertebral Muscles (4)
1) Longus colli
2) Longus capitis
3) Rectus capitis anterior
4) Rectus capitis lateralis
Location of Splenius Capitis and Splenius Cervicis
deep to trapezius
Suboccipital Muscles
1) Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
2) Rectus Capitis Posterior Major
3) Obliquus Capitis Superior
4) Obliquus Capitis Inferior
Innervation of Suboccipital Muscles
Suboccipital Nerve – from Dorsal Ramus C1
Action of Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
Extend head
Action of Rectus Capitis Posterior Major
Extend and rotate head
Action of Obliquus Capitis Superior
Extend head
Action of Obliquus Capitis Inferior
Rotate head
Which subocccipital muscle only rotates the head
Obliquus Capitis Inferior (Rectus Capitis Posterior Major rotates but also extends the head)
Nerves and arteries in the Suboccipital Triangle
1) Suboccipital Nerve
2) Greater Occipital Nerve
3) Vertebral Artery
4) Occipital Artery
Innervation of Greater Occipital Nerve
From the dorsal ramus of C2; it’s the sensory to the skin
Where does the Vertebral Artery turn?
Above C1
Sensory innervation of the dura
- Trigeminal Nerve: Branches of V1, V2, and V3
* Upper Cervical Spinal Nerves from X
Relation of suboccipital muscles to headaches
Rectus capitis posterior minor inserts to posterior atlantoocipital membrane and dura. Cranial dura is innervated
