Joints

Question 1

Atlanto-Occipital Joint

Answer 1

> Synovial Plane joint
Occipital convex condyles articulating with Concave facets on superior atlas
Allow large amount of flexion + extension (+degree of rotation)

Question 2

Atlanto-Axial joints

Answer 2

MEDIAN JOINT
> Synovial Plane joint
> Rectangular convex facet on ant. aspect of dens articulates with concave facet on posterior aspect of anterior arch of C1
*Posterior aspect of dens articulates with anterior aspect of transverse ligament (cartilaginous cells to aid articulation) - holds dens in place

LATERAL JOINTS (facet joints)
> Synovial plane joints
> Concave facets of atlas articulate with convex facets of axis

Question 3

Intervertebral joints

Answer 3

> Symphysis

> Hyaline end plates + intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus + annulus fibrosus)

Question 4

Joints of von luschka

Answer 4

> Synovial plane joints between lipped edges of cervical vertebrae
5 lower cervical vertebrae only
function is to control movement + stabilize cervical spine

Question 5

Facet joints

Answer 5

> Synovial plane joints between superior facets of vertebrae below and inferior facets of vertebrae above