Joints and Ligaments

Question 1

General Characteristics

Answer 1

Synovial Joints: Articular processes of adjacent vertebrae

Cavity is present

Facet: Surface of articular process covered with hyaline cartilage

3 Joint Planes:
Cervical - Transverse
Thoracic- Coronal
Lumbar- Sagittal

Question 2

Intervertebral Discs

Answer 2

Separate the bodies of the vertebrae from one another

Annulus Fibrosus- Outer portion of dics, concentraic bundles of collagen fibers and fibrocartilage

Nucleus Pulposis- Inner portion, gelatinous with high water content

No disc between Atlas and Axis

Question 3

Longitudinal Ligaments

Answer 3

Anterior: Runs on anterior sufrace of vertebral bodies from C1 to Sacrum

Posterior: Runs on posterior surface from axis to sacrum, found within the vertebral canal, broadens over the intervertebral disks, narrows over the vertebral bodies

Question 4

Ligamentum Flavum

Answer 4

Yellow elastic ligament attaching lamina to lamina of adjacent vertebrae

Found within the vertebral canal, very strong, extends transversely from the midline to the articular processes

Question 5

Supraspinous Ligament

Answer 5

Strong fibrous cord which connects spinous porcesses of each vertebra from c7 to sacrum (contiuation of ligamentum nuchae)

Question 6

Capsular Ligaments

Answer 6

Surrounds thed synovial joints between adjacent articular processes inferiorly and superiorly

Question 7

Interspinous and Intertransverse Ligaments

Answer 7

Adjacent spinous and transverse processes are joined by these

Question 8

Superior Articular Process

Answer 8

Superior Articular Process/lateral Masses of C1

Question 9

Occipital Condyles of Skull

Answer 9

Articulations occur between this and the superior articular process