Neck Osteology & Fascia Flashcards
Unique Identifying Characteristics of Cervical Vertebrae
- Thin bodies
- Large vertebral foramen
- Articular facets nearly horizontal
- Transverse foramen (C1-C6 only)
- Bifid Spinuous Process
Alar Ligament
Attach Dens of C2 to lateral margins of foramen magnum of occipital bone
Apical Ligament of the Dens
Runs from Apex of Dens to the anterior internal margin of the Foramen Magnum
Components of Cruciate Ligament
- Transverse Ligament of Atlas
- Longitudinal Fasicles
Transverse Ligament of Atlas
- Goes around the Odontoid Process of the Dens and attaches to the tubercle of transverse ligament of the Atlas to contralateral tubercle of transverse ligament of the Atlas
- Forms the Horizontal band of the Cruciate Ligament
Longitudional Fascicles
- Superior Longitudional Band attaches occipital bone to transverse ligament; the Inferior Longitudional band attaches from C2 to the transverse ligaments
- Forms the vertical bar of the cruciate ligament
Cervical Rib
- The supernumerary (extra) rib or a fibrous connection extending from its tip to the first thoracic rib may elevate and place pressure on structures that emerge from the superior thoracic aperture, notable the subclavian A or inferior trunk of the brachial plexus, and may cause Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Characteristics of Cervical Vertebral Body
- Small and wider from side to side than anteroposteriorly
- Superior surface concave with Uncus of body (Uccinate Process)
- Inferior surface convex
Characteristics of Cervical Vertebral Foramen
Large and triangular
Characteristics of Cervical Transverse Processes
- Foramina Transversarii (transverse foramen) and anterior and posterior tubercles
- Vertebral arteries and accompanying venous and sympathetic plexuses pass through foramina transversarii of all cervical vertebrae except C7, which transmits only small accessory vertebral veins
Characteristics of Cervical Articular Processes
- Superior facets directed superoposteriorly
- Inferior facets directed infero-anteriorly
- Obliquely placed facets are most nearly horizontal in this region
Characteristics of Cervical Spinous Processes
- Short (C3-C5) and bifid (C3-C6)
- Spinous process of C6 is long, but spinous process of C7 is longer (C7 is called Vertebra Prominens)
Transverse Foramen of Cervical Spine Transmit:
Vertebral Arteries
Intervertebral Foramen of Cervical Spine Transmit:
Spinal Nerves
Four Stages of Dislocation of Cervical Vertebrae
- Stage I: flexion sprain
- Stage II: anterior subluxation with 25% anterior translation
- Stage III: anterior subluxation with 50% anterior translation
- Stage IV: complete dislocation