Occipito-axial joint

Question 1

What ligaments are present at the occiptio-axial joint?

Answer 1

the apical ligament of the dens/apicodental ligament, alar ligament, and membrana tectoria/tectorial membrane

Question 2

What is the embryonic derivative of the apical ligament of the dens or the apicodental ligament?

Answer 2

the notochord

Question 3

What is the function of the alar ligament?

Answer 3

together they function to resist axial rotation

Question 4

What forms the cranial continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament?

Answer 4

the membrana tectoria or tectorial membrane

Question 5

What are the attachment sites for the superficial layer of the membrana tectoria or tectorial membrane?

Answer 5

the posterior part of the inferior epiphyseal rim and vertebral body of C2 to the capsular ligament of the atlanto-occipital joint and cranial dura of the posterior cranial fossa

Question 6

What are the attachment sites for the deep layer of the membrana tectoria or tectorial membrane?

Answer 6

the posterior part of the inferior epiphyseal rim and vetebral body of C2 to the periosteum behind the cruciate ligament attachment site on the anterior rim of the foramen magnum

Question 7

For the cervical spine below C2, what is the range of flexion-extension?

Answer 7

About 90 degrees or about 18 degrees per couple

Question 8

For the cervical spine below C2, what is the range of one side lateral bending?

Answer 8

about 50 degrees or about 10 degrees per couple

Question 9

For the cervical spine below C2, what is the range of one side axial rotation?

Answer 9

about 33 degrees or about six degrees per couple