Craniovertebral Region Flashcards
Cervical ROM
Rotation: __ - __ degrees
Sidebending: __ degrees
Flexion: __ degrees
Extension: __-__ degrees
80-90
45
40
70-80
Cervical ROM decreases approximately _ degrees over every 10 year period
4
What ligaments attach to the pair of tubercles on the anterior surface of the foramen magnum?
alar ligament
What aspect of the foramen magnum are the occipital condyles?
the anterolateral aspect
The atlas does not have a spinous process which results in increased ______.
extension
The superolateral aspect of the atlas has a transverse foramen to accommodate for what?
the vertebral artery
Why is the axis considered a transitional vertebra?
Because it is the link between the cervical spine and the craniovertebral region
Describe the anterior and posterior aspects of the dens
Anteriorly there is a hyaline cartilage-covered midline facet that articulates with the anterior tubercle of the atlas
Posteriorly it is marked with a groove where the transverse ligament passes
What are the 2 functions of the dens?
- serves as a pivot for the upper cervical joints
- serves as a center of rotation for the A-A joint
The A-A joint consists of how many joints?
4:
Two lateral facet joints between the inferior articular processes of the atlas and the superior processes of the axis
Two medial joints one between the anterior surface of the dens and the anterior surface of the atlas and the other between the posterior surface of the dens and the anterior hyalinated surface of the transverse ligament
The superior surfaces of the bodies of vertebrae C3-6 and marked with bilateral lips called what?
uncinate processes
The uncinate processes guide what movements? What movements do they limit?
Guide flexion and extension
Limit side bending
In what direction do the transverse processes of C3-6 face?
lateral, anterior, and inferior
Which cervical vertebra is considered the transitional vertebra?
C7
Because it connects the mobile c-spine to the table t-spine
What is the difference between cervical and lumber IVDs?
Cervical discs have less soft nuclear material which means they bear less weight than lumbar
Where does the apical ligament run from?
From the apex of the dens to the anterior rim of the foramen magnum
What is the anterior O-A membrane thought to be a continuation of? What is its function?
the ALL
It connects the anterior arch of C1 to the anterior aspect of the foramen magnum
What is the posterior O-A membrane thought to be a continuation of? What is its function?
the ligamentum flavum
It interconnects the posterior arch of the atlas and the posterior aspect of the foramen magnum
Which membrane is the most superficial of the 3 membranes?
tectorial
What is the tectorial membrane thought to be a continuation of? What is its function?
PLL
It interconnects the occipital bone and the axis and holds the occiput off the atlas
What motions does the tectorial membrane limit?
UCS flexion, extension, and vertical translation
Where is the alar ligament attached to?
The superior part of the dens to the medial aspect of the occipital condyles
What motions does the alar ligament limit?
Rotation and SB of the occiput on the axis
Which ligament is considered the most important stabilizing ligament in the UCS?
the transverse portion of the cruciform ligament
What is the function of the transverse ligament?
It keeps the dens in contact with the anterior arch of C1
Where is the nuchal ligament’s attachment points? What is its function?
Occiput to the spinous process of C7
It provides a proprioceptive role for the erector spinae and may also provide AP stability at C1-C4
What provides stability to the O-A joint?
The cup shaped joints and capsules, O-A membranes, alar ligament, apical ligament
What do dislocations of the O-A joint result in?
death
What provides mechanical stability to the A-A joint?
the dens and transverse ligament
The UCS is responsible for approximately __% of the motion through the entire cervical spine
50