The Cervical spine

Question 1

What is the name of the secondary curve of the c-spine?

Answer 1

Lordosis

Question 2

How many vertebrae and spinal nerves are there in the Cervical spine?

Answer 2

7 vertebrae, 8 spinal nerves

Question 3

What are the names of C1 and C2? How are their structures different to each other?

Answer 3

C1 - Atlas - it has no vertebral body or spinous process
C2 - Axis - it has a small vertebral body, a small projection called the Dens which articulates with the Atlas and a bifid spinous process.

Question 4

Describe the atlanta occiptal joint (the articulations, movements, classification)

Answer 4

The articulations are between the occipital condyles of the skull and the facet joints of the Atlas (C1). Movements occuring here are flexion and extension (20 or so degrees) when the occipital condyles slide on the atlas facet joints.
This is a synovial plane joint..

Question 5

Describe the atlanta - axial joint (the articulations, movements, classification)

Answer 5

There are 2 articulations:

1. Between the anterior arch of the transverse ligament of the atlas and the dens projection of the axis (Median synovial pivot joint)
2. The articular facets of C1/2 (synovial plane joint)

The movement occurring here is rotation (around 50 degrees).

Question 6

How are C1-C6 different to C7?

Answer 6

C1-6 have a large transverse foramen for the vertebral artery, C7’s transverse foramen is a lot smaller.

Question 7

How are C2-6 different to C1 and C7?

Answer 7

C1 does not have a spinous process.
C2-6 are bifid for the attachment of muscles.
C7 has a long, non bifid spinous process.

Question 8

What it the intervertebral foramen?

Answer 8

A small space between the vertebrae where the spinal nerve roots exit.

Question 9

Name and describe the 5 main ligaments of the spine + the 3 cervical ligaments.

Answer 9

Transverse ligament - stops anterior translation of the atlas.
Alar and apical ligaments - limit rotation of the c-spine
Anterior longitudinal ligament - thick, covers the whole vertebral body and limits hyper extension of the spine
Posterior longitudinal ligament - thick, weaker on the outside and limits hyper flexion of the spine
Ligamentum flavum - connects lamellae together
Supraspinous ligament - connects the spinous process tips
Interspinous ligament - connects the spinous processes