Unit 4: neuroanatomy Flashcards
what structures are unique to c-spine vertebra?
- compound spinous processes (2 projections, AKA bifid)
+C2-C5: almost always bifid
+C6: 50% of the time is bifid
+C7: usually a single spinous process (0.3% of population have a bifid C7) - vertebral foramen have a larger diameter
+the spinal cord is much larger at the top because it processes more information here than the bottom of the cord - transverse foramen
+these allow vertebral arteries to pass through - transverse processes with SULCUS
+this allows spinal nerves to pass through
the vertebral arteries pass through all of the transverse foramen except for:
C7 transverse foramen
in the C-spine, spinal nerves pass through the ______ and vertebral arteries pass through the ______
spinal nerves: transverse process SULCUS
vertebral arteries: transverse foramen
how is C1 different than the rest of the cervical vertebrae?
C1 is named “Atlas” because it “bears the weight” of the “globe” AKA our skull
also has special connections with C2 vertebra
what is C2’s nickname
axis
what is a major difference between C1 and C2; what structures does C1 have to help connect to C2 vertebra?
C1 does not have a vertebral body or a spinous process
C1 has an anterior arch comprised of the:
+anterior tubercle
+facet for dens
these structures help connect to C2
where do the occipital condyles lie on the atlas (C1)?
in the superior articular facets
why is the atlantoocipital ligament named like this?
atlanto – atlas
occipital – occipital bone
these ligaments (anterior and posterior) connect the atlas and the occipital bone
the occpital condyle/superior articular facets of C1allow for what type of head movement?
up/down – “nodding yes”
what structure of C2 is unique to C2?
what structures of C2 connects with C1?
the Dens is unique to C2
the Dens fits into the facet for Dens in C1, located in the anterior arch of C1
the anterior articular facet rubs against theposterior side of the anterior arch of C1
what type of movement does the head gain from the Dens of C2?
nodding head “no” – swiveling from side to side
list the generalized model of spinal ligaments
- anterior longitudinal ligament
- posterior longtiudinal ligament
- intertransverse ligament
- supraspinous ligament
- interspinous ligament
- ligamentum flava
what is special about the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligament?
these ligaments run all the way from the base of the skull to the sacrum/pelvis
how is ligamentum flava different from the rest of the spinal ligaments?
the ligamentum flava is stretchier than the other ligaments
+elasticity
the other ligaments are made of RIGID fibrous collagen
intertransverse ligament connects:
the vertebral transverse processes together
the supraspinous ligaments connect:
the OUTER vertebral spinous processes TIPS together
the interspinous ligaments connects:
the vertebral spinous processes together (inter = inside)
the ligamentum flava connects:
the vertebral arches together
when landmarking with a needle through the ligamenta flava, it is best to approach in this fashion:
off-midline
because there is a hollow opening in the middle of the ligamentum flava
the posterior atlanto-occipital ligament connects:
the arch of C1 and the back of the foramen magnum
the nuchal ligament and the supraspinous ligaments connect at this location:
external occipital protuberance
what is the vertebral prominens?
a landmark where the spinous process of C7 is palpable
Dr. Schmidt’s answer: where the T1 spinous process is palpable
t-spine curvature:
kyphotic/concave “)”
what is the best approached angle for thoracic spinal anesthesia?
off-center d/t the downward facing spinous processes
