Neck Flashcards
are the cervical vertebrae built for weight bearing?
no, they are built for mobility
the cervical spine is broken up into two parts. which cervical vertebrae make up the UPPER segment?
C1 - C3
what is the upper segment of the cervical vertebrae responsible for?
capital movement
the cervical spine is broken up into two parts. which cervical vertebrae make up the LOWER segment?
C4 - C7
what is the lower segment of the cervical vertebrae responsible for?
lower cervical movement
is there a disc between C1 - C2 like the other vertebrae?
no
where does >25% (roughly 50%) of flexion and extension of the head come from?
the AO joint - atlanto-occipital
where does the most rotation of the head come from per segment?
the AA joint - atlanto-axial
what is the ligamentum nuchae?
a continuation of the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments that come together to form the nuchal ligament
what type of joint is the AO joint?
diathrodial
where does the most stability of the AO joint come from?
mostly by the joint shape and occipital muscles
is the capsule of the AO joint loose or tight (just like the shoulder)?
the capsule itself is loose
the anterior atlanto-occipital membrane is a continuation of what?
the anterior longitudinal ligament
is the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane a continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament?
no, it comes off the posterior arch of the atlas to the occiput
what is the #1 injury when it comes to motor vehicle accidents?
whiplash
what injury could occur if someone experiences whiplash?
a fractured odontoid process
what happens if you fracture the odontoid process?
the AA joint becomes unstable, therefore there can be a translation of the head either forward or backward (usually forward)
what are some major red flags when it comes to MVA injuries?
neck pain
numbness of tongue
trouble swallowing
what holds the dens in its place?
the cruciform ligament
what covers the cruciform ligament?
the tectorial membrane
what does the tectorial membrane do?
resists longitudinal movement
where does the tectorial membrane come from?
it is an extension of the posterior longitudinal ligament
what creates the cruciform ligament?
the transverse ligament - arches across the ring of the atlas
the inferior/superior bands
forms a cross, hence the name cruciform ligament
where are the alar ligaments?
from the odontoid process to the occiput at an angle
think in terms of a “V”, where the point of the V is the odontoid and the arches go to the occiput
what do the alar ligaments allow?
side bending and rotation
what is the most important aspect of the laryngeal skeleton?
it houses the vocal folds/cords
what creates the upper thoracic area?
the clavicle
first rib
jugular notch
sternoclavicular joint
which neck muscles are commonly associated with headaches?
suboccipital muscles
Rectus Capitis Posterior Major/Minor
Obliquus Capitus Superior/Inferior
which side is the only side that has a brachiocephalic vein/artery?
right side
why doesn’t the left side have a brachiocephalic vein/artery?
the subclavian and common carotid comes right off the aortic arch
what do the internal carotids supply?
the internal structures of the skull (brain)
what do the external carotids supply?
external to the skull (face)
which nerve is the primary innervation to the parasympathetic system of the abdomen and thorax organs?
vagus nerve
what does the vagus nerve do in stressful situations?
sends impulses/signals that causes your heart rate to shoot up and other Flight or Flight signals
is the phrenic nerve a cranial nerve?
no
what does the phrenic nerve do?
innervates the diaphragm
what happens if the phrenic nerve gets compromised?
the diaphragm will not work, will stop breathing!
what does the facial nerve do?
it is the motor nerve to muscles of expression
what are the five branches of the facial nerve?
temporal
zygomatic
buccal
mandibular
cervical
