Spinal Nerves

Question 1

What keeps the axis in place?

Answer 1

Transverse ligament is a small ligament that keeps the axis in place.

Alar ligament

Odontoid process articulates with the axis and connects it to the atlas

Question 2

How big is the spinal cord?

Answer 2

Spinal cord occupies the superior 2/3rds of the vertebral canal.

Average size is 45 cm length and 30 gram weight

Question 3

Where is the grey and white matter of the spinal cord?

Answer 3

Grey matter on the inside and white matter on the outside which is opposite to the brain

Question 4

What is the clinical significance of C2?

Answer 4

C2 is dealt with in pain management and can causes some headaches. BOTOX injections can be used and works for 3 months at a time.

Gives off the greater occipital nerve which is the largest cutaneous nerve in the area.

Question 5

What are cervical plexuses?

Answer 5

Cervical plexuses are extensive somatic plexuses originating from the anterior branches of the cervical nerves C1 - C4

Ansa cervicalis (a loop of nerves)

Question 6

What is the ansa cervicalis?

Answer 6

A loop of nerves which has cutaneous and muscular branches. Cutaneous branches are greater auricular nerve which goes to the ear then it comes back to the area associated with ears (outer ear and ear canal). The other cutaneous nerve is the transverse cervical nerve. and the lesser occipital nerve, and the supraclavicular nerves.

Innervates Geniohyoid, thyrohyoid, sternothyroid, sternohyoid, and omohyoid.

Phrenic innervates the diaphragm and pericardium.

Question 7

Where does the greater auricular nerve get innervation from?

Answer 7

C2 and C3

Question 8

Where does the transverse cervical nerve get innervation from?

Answer 8

C2 and C3

Question 9

Where does the lesser occipital nerve get its nerve supply from?

Answer 9

C2

Question 10

What does the lesser occipital nerve do?

Answer 10

Innervates the scalp behind the ear.

Question 11

What does the transverse cervical nerve innervate?

Answer 11

The anterior neck

Question 12

What does the greater auricular nerve innervate?

Answer 12

The outer ear and the ear canal

Question 13

What trend is commonly seen in patients with TMJ pain?

Answer 13

Patients with pain in other areas also tend to have TMJ pain

Question 14

What clinical feature of pain is very important for dentists?

Answer 14

The subjectivity of pain is important for patients and their perception of pain

Question 15

Where does the supraclavicular nerve get its innervation from?

Answer 15

C3 and C4

Question 16

What structures does the supraclavicular nerve innervate?

Answer 16

Innervates the skin above and below the clavicle

Question 17

Where are the occipital nerves located relative to each other?

Answer 17

The greater occipital nerve is more medial and the lesser occipital nerve is