vertebral column 2 prac

Question 1

C7 (“vertebra prominens”)

Answer 1

A transitional vertebra as it has some similar characteristics to thoracic vertebra:
Identify
• transverse process - anterior root usually small, but may be enlarged forming a cervical rib.
• transverse foramen is small and does not transmit the vertebral artery
• spinous process is long, thick, almost horizontal, and non-bifid (transitional).

Question 2

Upper cervical vertebral column

Answer 2

o 2 x atlanto-occipital joints
o 3 x atlanto-axial joints
♣ 1 x median atlantoaxial
♣ 2 x lateral atlantoaxial

Question 3

Lower cervical vertebral column

Answer 3

o 1 x intervertebral disc
o 2 x zygapophyseal joints
o 2 x uncovertebral “joints”

Question 4

• Ligamentum nuchae (LN)

Answer 4

flx - contuation of supraspinous lig

Question 5

Vertebral artery pathway

Answer 5

arises from subclavian arteries then enters deep into the transverse process @ c6 lvl. > ascends in transverse foramen > travels across posterior arch of C1 > foramen magnum

Question 6

Vertebral artery supply

Answer 6

upper spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum and posterior brain

Question 7

AXIO-APPENDICULAR MUSCLES:

Answer 7

SCM
upper traps
lev. scap

Question 8

Suboccipital Group:

Answer 8

The suboccipital muscles move the head on C1 OR move the head & C1 on C2.
The suboccipital muscles are innervated by the suboocipital nerve, which is the dorsal ramus of C1.
- muscles extend the upper cervical spine when they contract bilaterally and produce ipsilateral rotation when contracted unilaterally.

Question 9

What bony features of C1 & C2 provide increased moment arms?

Answer 9

• C1: wide transverse process

* C2: wide/large bifid spinous process

Question 10

muscles and attachments

Answer 10

rectus capitis posterior minor
Posterior tubercle C1 - occipital bone 
rectus capitis posterior major
C2 spinous process - occipital bone 
obliquus capitis superior
C1 transverse process – lateral occipital bone 
obliquus capitis inferior
C2 spinous process – C1 transverse process

Question 11

Which of the 4 muscles is best aligned to produce rotation of the head & C1 on C2?

Answer 11

obliquus capitis inferior

Question 12

Segmental muscles:

Answer 12

The interspinous muscles attach to the tips of adjacent spinous processes.
The medial intertransverse muscles attach to the medial ends of the transverse processes
Both are most distinct in the cervical and lumbar regions and may be absent in the thoracic region.
- proprioception function

Question 13

sub-occipital triangle

Answer 13

obliq. capitus sup. and infer. and rectus capitis posterior major

Question 14

semispinalis

Answer 14

go in

Question 15

spleinus

Answer 15

go out

Question 16

semi capitis

Answer 16

if see sem capitis can’t see cervicis