Spine - non-contractile elements

Question 1

Pars Articularis

Answer 1

Posterior to transverse process, between superior and inferior articular process

Common site for stress fractures

Question 2

Cervical vertebrae

Answer 2

Articluar facet: oblique horizontal

Has uncinate processes and foramen transversium

Question 3

Thoracic vertebrae

Answer 3

Articular facet: vertical for zygapophyses and costal facets for ribs

Question 4

Lumbar vertebrae

Answer 4

Articular facet: near vertical on oblique plane

Question 5

Atlanto-occiptical joint (C0-C1)

Answer 5

• the joint at which flexion and extension of the neck occurs
• synovial condyloid joint

Question 6

Atlanto-axial (C1-C2)

Answer 6

• responsible for rotation around the neck
• synovial pivot joint

Question 7

Nuchal Ligament

Answer 7

Attachments:

• Superior: external occipital protuberance
• Inferior: Cervical spinous processes

Limits: head falling forward (prevents excessive flexion)

works inferiorly and vertically down the cervical column

Question 8

Supraspinous ligament

Answer 8

Attachments:

• Superior: C7 tip of spinous process
• Inferior: sacrum

Limits: Flexion

Other: makes palpating interspinous gap harder

Question 9

INterspinous ligament

Answer 9

Attachments:
- Superior: superior spinous process
- Inferior: inferior spinous process
- Limits: anterior translation, flexion

Question 10

Anterior Longitudinal ligament

Answer 10

• Superior: anterior C1 vertebra and the occipital bone
• Inferior: anterior sacrum
• Limits: hyperextension (the only one
  that does)
• Other: strong fibrous band

Question 11

Posterior Longitudinal ligament

Answer 11

• Attachments:
• Superior: C2 discs and vertebral bodies
• Inferior: posterior sacrum
• Limits: hyperflexion. Prevent or redirect discal protrusions.
  Other: Narrow band, inside canal

Question 12

Ligamentum flavum

Answer 12

Attachments:
- Superior: lamina of superior vertebra
- Inferior: lamina of inferior vertebra
- Limits: flexion.