Cspine Anatomy

Question 1

Cervical facet orientation

Answer 1

Coronal, 45 deg

Question 2

Cervical limiting factors

Answer 2

Flexion + extension- brings facet joint too close together
Side bending- no LF
Rotation- contact too close, potential limiting factor if muscles are too tight

Question 3

Joints of the Cspine

Answer 3

Atlanto-occipital (Biaxial Condyloid Synovial) Joint
Atlanto-axial (Uniaxial Synovial) Joint
Zygapophysial (Plane Synovial) Joint
Intervertebral (Secondary Cartilaginous [Symphyses]) Joints

Question 4

Ligaments at the Atlanto-occipital Joint

Answer 4

1. Articular capsule – Surrounds facets, allows Flexion and extension.
2. Anterior and posterior membranes – Limits movement of the joint

Question 5

Ligaments at the Atlanto-axial Joint

Answer 5

1. Apical – Dens to occipital bone
2. Alar – Dens to occipital condyles – limits rotation
3. Cruciate – Dens to lateral masses (resembles a cross), allows for rotation

Question 6

Zygapophysial Joint info

Answer 6

Also called facet joints
between the superior articular process of one vertebra and the inferior articular process of the vertebra directly above it. There are two facet joints in each spinal motion segment. Form the articular pillars that act to provide structural stability to the vertebral column as a whole.

Question 7

Ligaments at Zygapophysial Joints

Answer 7

1. Articular capsule – allows gliding motion, most mobile between C5-C6.

Question 8

Ligaments at Intervertebral Joints

Answer 8

1. Anterior longitudinal – run the length of the vertebral column, covering the anterior vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs. Strong and prevents hyperextension.
2. Posterior longitudinal - run the length of the vertebral column, covering the posterior vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs. Prevents hyperflexion.
3. Ligamenta flava – connects adjacent laminae of vertebra – limits flexion
4. Interspinous – connects spines
5. Supraspinous – Connect SPs, strong, limit flexion
6. Ligamentum nuchae – C7 to occipital bone, continuation of the supraspinous ligament.
7. Intertransverse – connect TPs, weak ligaments.