The Cervical Spine and other Associated Structures

Question 1

Which vertebrae make up the upper and lower cervical spine?

Answer 1

C1, C2 = upper

C3-C7 = lower

Question 2

What is the C1 vertebrae called?

Answer 2

The Atlas

Question 3

What is the C2 vertebrae called?

Answer 3

The Axis

Question 4

What is the name of the C7 Spinous Process?

Answer 4

Vertebra Prominens

Question 5

What feature do the vertebrae in the C spine have the provide increased stability ?

Answer 5

Uncinate Process

aka Uncovertebral Joints

Question 6

Explain the function of the uncovertebral joints in the c spine.

Answer 6

Upward bony projections that articulate with the next higher vertebrae. These joints provide stability in the cervical spine.

Question 7

Flexion /Extension of the head on neck comes from which joint? Atlanto-occipital or Atlanto-Axial?

Answer 7

Atlanto-occipital

Question 8

Rotation of the head on neck comes from which of the following joints? Atlanto-occipital or Atlanto-Axial?

Answer 8

Atlanto-Axial

Question 9

What does the Transverse Ligament of the atlas do?

Answer 9

Holds the dens of the C2 against the anterior arch of the C1.

Question 10

What Ligament is in charge of holding the dens of the C2 against the Anterior arch of the C1?

Answer 10

The Transverse Ligament of the Atlas

Question 11

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Attach from where to where? and keeps what movement in check?

Answer 11

Travels/ is anchored to the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies and IVDs from Sacrum to C2.

Checks hyperflexion of the spine

Question 12

Name the Ligament that runs down the posterior aspects of the vertebral bodies and IVDs from C2 ro sacrum. What movement does it keep in check?

Answer 12

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (PLL)

stops Hyperflexion of the spine.

Question 13

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament ( ALL) attaches from where to where? And keep what movement in check?

Answer 13

Travels/ is anchored to the anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies and IVDs from sacrum to occiput.

stops Hyperextension of the spine

Question 14

What Ligament travels/ is anchored to the anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies and IVDs from sacrum to occiput and what movement does it keep in check?

Answer 14

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament

Stops Hyperextension of the spine

Question 15

Other then stopping hyperextension of the spine what other job does the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament have?

Answer 15

Stabilizes intervertebral Joints

Question 16

What are the orientation of the facet joints at each section of the spine. C,T,L?

Answer 16

C= Oblique (higher anteriorly)
T= More in the frontal plane
L= more in the sagittal plane

Question 17

What are 3 factors that affect the ROM of the spine?

Answer 17

Size and shape of IVDs
Angle of the facet joints
Laxity of ligament/joint capsules

Question 18

The Ligamenta Flava attaches from where to where ? and does what job?

Answer 18

Lamina to lamina from sacrum up to C1

Helps to preserve normal curves of the spine and helps to return the spine to normal position after flexion.

Question 19

What Ligament travels between the lamina of the vertebraes and helps preserve the normal curve of the spine? As well as helps the spine return to it’s normal position after flexion?

Answer 19

Ligamentum Flava

Question 20

The Interspinous ligaments attaches between what structures of the spine and limits what action?

Answer 20

Attaches between the SP’s of the spine and helps to limit flexion.

Question 21

The ______ Ligament attaches between the SP’s of the spine and helps to limit flexion.

Answer 21

The interspinous ligaments

Question 22

The supraspinous ligaments attach where and limit what action?

Answer 22

Posteriorly along the tips of the SP’s from C7 to sacrum

limits flexion

Question 23

The Ligamentum Nuchae attaches from what to what ?

Answer 23

From C7 to the back of the skull

Question 24

The ______ runs from C7 to the back of the skull and is generally a thickening of the interspinous. supraspinous ligaments.

Answer 24

The Ligamentum Nuchae