Cranio-Vertebral Joints

Question 1

Subluxation

Answer 1

Partial dislocation of vertebral body

Question 2

What do the articular facets of the cervical vertebra permit

Answer 2

Flexion-extension and rotation

Question 3

Cervical vertebra permitting flexion-extension but not rotation

Answer 3

C1 (atlas)

Question 4

Cervical vertebra permitting rotation but not flexion-extension

Answer 4

C2 (axis)

Question 5

Ligaments of Cranio-Vertebral Joints

Answer 5

1) Anterior Atlantooccipital Membrane
2) Membrana Tectoria
3) Posterior Atlantooccipital

Question 6

Attaches to inner side of atlas; holds dens anteriorly

Answer 6

transverse ligament of atlas

Question 7

Hangman’s Fracture

Answer 7

Joint C1-C2 not meant to Flex-Ext; sudden drop breaks vertebrae and ligaments; vertebrae can penetrate CNS, causing instantaneous death

Question 8

Alar Ligaments

Answer 8

Run from dens to occipital bone; prevents excessive rotation of the head

Question 9

Function of the Prevertebral Muscles

Answer 9

flex neck/head

Question 10

Innervation of the Prevertebral Muscles

Answer 10

Cervical Ventral Rami

Question 11

Prevertebral Muscles (4)

Answer 11

1) Longus colli
2) Longus capitis
3) Rectus capitis anterior
4) Rectus capitis lateralis

Question 12

Location of Splenius Capitis and Splenius Cervicis

Answer 12

deep to trapezius

Question 13

Suboccipital Muscles

Answer 13

1) Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
2) Rectus Capitis Posterior Major
3) Obliquus Capitis Superior
4) Obliquus Capitis Inferior

Question 14

Innervation of Suboccipital Muscles

Answer 14

Suboccipital Nerve – from Dorsal Ramus C1

Question 15

Action of Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor

Answer 15

Extend head

Question 16

Action of Rectus Capitis Posterior Major

Answer 16

Extend and rotate head

Question 17

Action of Obliquus Capitis Superior

Answer 17

Extend head

Question 18

Action of Obliquus Capitis Inferior

Answer 18

Rotate head

Question 19

Which subocccipital muscle only rotates the head

Answer 19

Obliquus Capitis Inferior (Rectus Capitis Posterior Major rotates but also extends the head)

Question 20

Nerves and arteries in the Suboccipital Triangle

Answer 20

1) Suboccipital Nerve
2) Greater Occipital Nerve
3) Vertebral Artery
4) Occipital Artery

Question 21

Innervation of Greater Occipital Nerve

Answer 21

From the dorsal ramus of C2; it’s the sensory to the skin

Question 22

Where does the Vertebral Artery turn?

Answer 22

Above C1

Question 23

Sensory innervation of the dura

Answer 23

• Trigeminal Nerve: Branches of V1, V2, and V3

* Upper Cervical Spinal Nerves from X

Question 24

Relation of suboccipital muscles to headaches

Answer 24

Rectus capitis posterior minor inserts to posterior atlantoocipital membrane and dura. Cranial dura is innervated