Osteology of the cervical spine and the hyoid bone

Question 1

Name the blue structure and give its function and attachments

Answer 1

Ligamentum nuchae

funcions to prevent hyperflexion of the head

attach the foramen magnum to the external occipital protrudence and the spinous processes of the cervical vertebra

Question 2

What vertebrae follow this shape?

label it.

Answer 2

C3-6

Body, transverse process, superior articulate facet, vertebral foramen, bifid spinous process, lamina, foramen transverseium, posterior and anterior tubercle

Question 3

Name this vertebrae and label it. What is Atypical?

Answer 3

C7

Atypical is the non bifid spinous process. It is solid due to attachment of the ligamentum nuchae.

body and vertebral foramen

anterior and posterior tubercle

foramen transverisum

Question 4

Name and label the following vertebrae

Answer 4

Atlas

Posterior tubercle (no spinous process)

Anterior arch

articular facet for the Dens

Superior articulate facet for occipital condyle

lateral mass

posterior arch

Question 5

Name and label the following vertebrae

Answer 5

C2 Axis

Spinous process

Superior articulate facet for atlas

dens

body

transverse foramen

lateral mass

Question 6

Name the two joints and the motion they facilitate

Answer 6

Blue = atlanto-occipital joint

• facilitates flexion and extension

Green = lateral Atlanto-axial joint

• facilitates rotation (aided by the transverse ligament holding thr dens in position)

Question 7

Describe the shape and position of the hyoid bone such as where it is connected

Answer 7

U shaped bone at the c3 level.

No skeletal articulation.

connected to the mandible, the styloid process, the thyroid cartilage, manubrium and the scapulae

Connects the oral cavity with:

pharynx posteriorly

Larynx inferiorly