The CERVICAL SPINE Flashcards
How Many Cervical Vertebra are there?
7
What is the C1 Vertebra also known as?
ATLAS
What is the C2 Vertebra also known as?
AXIS
In General, describe the FEATURES of the Cervical Vertebrae?
1) Bifid Spinous Processes
2) Foramen Transversarium- Transports the Vertebral Artery, Veins and Sympathetic Nerves
3) Triangle Shaped Vertebral Foramen
Cervical Vertebra
At what level does the VERTEBRAL ARTERY enter the Foramen Transversarium?
C6
(The Vertebral Artery Travels around Transverse Process of C7 and NOT through the FORAMEN TRANSVERSARIUM)
How does the ATLAS differ from the classic Cervical Vertebra?
- The ATLAS has NO VERTEBRAL BODY
-The ATLAS has NO SPINOUS Process
What do the SUPERIOR ARTICULAR PROCESSES of the ATLAS, articulate with?
OCCIPITAL CONDYLES of the SKULL
ATLANO-OCCIPITAL JOINT
What part of the ATLAS is involved in articulating with the Skull and Axis?
LATERAL MASSES
LATERAL MASS of the ATLAS
What is the TRANSVERSE LIGAMENT of the ATLAS?
What is its Function?
Attaches onto either side of the LATERAL MASSES
Holds the ODONTOID PROCESS of C2 firmly in place
TRANSVERSE LIGAMENT of the ATLAS
What is a JEFFERSON’S FRACTURE?
- Burst Fracture of ATLAS
- Caused by AXIAL LOADING of the ATLAS
- Involves the Anterior and Posterior arches- SEPARATING the Lateral Masses
What are the ALAR LIGAMENTS?
Ligaments which Connect the Dens of C2 with Margin of the Foramen Magnum
ALAR LIGAMENTS
