Exam 2 Cervical Spine Part 1 Flashcards
T/F: The cervical spine is associated with fewer muscles than any other region of the spine.
False; associated with more muscle than any other
What is the most mobile region of the vertebral column?
cervical spine
What are the two main jobs of the cervical spine?
maintaining head posture and allowing a great deal of mobility
T/F: The cervical curve is the least distinct of spinal curves.
True
T/F: The cervical curve is considered a primary curve.
False; considered secondary (compensatory)
What bones make up the upper cervical spine?
occiput, atlas, and axis
What is the most complex region of the axial skeleton?
upper cervical spine
T/F: there are no IVD in the upper cervical spine.
True
What type of orthogonal motion is greatest at the Atlanto-occipital articulation?
combined thetaX (flexion/extension)
What type of orthogonal motion is greatest at the atlanto-axial articulation?
one sided thetaY (axial rotation)
T/F: The superior articular processes of Atlas are convex and face slightly medial.
False; are concave and face slightly medial.
T/F: The shapes of the anatomy at the atlanto-occipital articulation allow for great rotation.
False; cuplike structure allows for little rotation
What is the range of X axis rotation at occiput-atlas?
mean value between 14-35 degrees
What is the range of Y axis rotation at occiput-atlas?
4-8 degrees
Why is lateral flexion at occiput-atlas unique?
Not “physiological” because the occiput is unseated from the joint on this side
What motion is limited at occiput-atlas by the alar ligament?
Z axis rotation
Does the inferior articular process of C1 face slightly medial or lateral?
medial
T/F: The combined theta X rotation at C1-C2 has a range of 20 degrees.
True
T/F: Most dens have a slight curvature.
True
T/F: C2 allows for lots of X axis rotation.
False; Y axis rotation (slide 21)
At the limits of rotation, the lateral atlanto-axial joints are almost subluxated. What ligaments restrain this motion?
alar ligaments
How much of the rotation of the neck is C2 responsible for?
over 50%
T/F: Both of the articular surfaces at C1-C2 are convex which is why theta Y is coupled with Ytranslation at this joint.
True; as atlas rotates on axis, a subtle vertical displacement occurs
Theta Z at C1-C2 is limited to about 5 degrees. Why?
Lateral bending is limited here by the alar ligaments and the bony anatomy
What ligament limits Z axis translation at C1-C2?
Transverse ligament of atlas (tight ring around dens)
T/F: According to Panjabi and White, there is no X axis translation at C1-C2, only apparent translation.
True
T/F: As the head is laterally flexed, the spinous process of C2 will rotate toward the concavity of the lateral bend.
False; toward the convexity of the lateral bend (spinous to contralateral side)
What motion is coupled with lateral bending in the cervical spine?
axial rotation
