Occipito-Axial Joint Flashcards
What is the classification of the occipto-axial joint?
fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis
What name is given to the occipital-C2 region of the spine?
the craniovertebral junction
What lig are present at the occipito-axial joint?
- apical lig of the dens/apicodental lig
- alar lig
- membrana tectoria/tectorial membrane
What are the attachment sites for the apical dental lig of the dens or apicodental lig?
- anterior margin of the foramen magnum
- tip of the odontoid process of C2
What is the embryonic derivative to the apical lig of the dens or the apicodental lig?
the notochord
What is the function of the apical lig of the dens?
has no known function
What is the joint classification of the apical lig of the dens?
fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis
Which lig lies behind the apical lig of the dens?
the cruciate lig, specifically the superior crus lig
What are the attachment sites for the alar lig?
- posterolateral part of the odontoid process of C2
- impressions on the medial border of the occipital condyle
- as far anterior as the anterolateral margin of the foramen magnum
What types of surfaces are identified as possible attachment sites for the alar lig?
both tubercles and fovea have been identified
What are the attachment sites for the anterior atlanto-dental lig?
- alar lig
- ipsilateral lateral mass of C1
What lig attaches the alar lig to the ipsilateral lateral mass of C1?
anterior atlanto-dental lig
What is the function of the alar lig?
together they function to resist axial rotation
What is the joint classification of the alar lig?
a fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis
Which lig lies behind the alar lig?
the cruciate lig, specifically the superior crus lig