Vertebral Column of the Neck Flashcards
What is the shape of the vertebral bodies of C3-C6?
Small and broad
Concave superior and inferior surfaces
Uncinate processes:
- Upward projections on lateral margins
Why is the vertebral foramen of C3-C6 large and triangular?
For the cervical enlargement
What direction are the transverse processes of C3-C6 directed?
Anterolaterally
What is the purpose of the foramen transversarium of C3-C6?
Passage of:
- Vertebral arteries
- Vertebral veins
- SNS plexus
What features of the transverse processes of C3-C6 create a groove for the spinal nerves?
Anterior and posterior tubercles
What is the shape of the spinous process of C3-C6?
Bifid
What direction do the articular facets for C3-C6 face?
Superior articular facets = Superoposteriorly
Inferior articular facets = Inferoanteriorly
What is the reference for C3-C6 articular facet directions?
Cunningham et al., 2016
The vertebral bodies of C3-C6 are described as ‘saddle-like’ due to the uncinate processes. What study describes them as such?
Swartz et al., 2005
What splits the vertebral foramen of C1?
Transverse ligament of the atlas
What structures run through the two spaces of C1?
Odontoid process anterior to transverse ligament
Spinal cord posterior to transverse ligament
What is the reference for the dens running anterior in the vertebral foramen of C1?
Rawls and Fisher, 2010
Atlanto-axial joint
Where does the vertebral artery pass after the foramen transversarium of C1?
Sulcus on posterior arch
What features are present on the arches of C1?
Tubercles
What feature of the atlas is on the posterior side of the anterior arch of C1? (Reference?)
Articular surface for dens
Combalia, 2013
What structures are the articular facets of the atlas located on?
Lateral masses
What do the superior articular facets of C1 articulate with?
Occipital epicondyles
What are the functions of the tubercles on the medial aspects of the lateral masses of C1? (Reference?)
Prevent forward movement relative to C2
Attachments for transverse ligament
(Bogduk, 2016)
What is the strongest cervical vertebra?
C2
Why does C2 overlap the anterior part of C3?
The vertebral body of C2 is projected inferiorly
What do the two articular surfaces on the dens articulate with? (Reference?)
Anteriorly - Anterior arch of C1
Posteriorly - Transverse ligament
(Lippert, 2006)
How do the transverse processes of C2 compare to those of the other cervical vertebrae?
Very small
What direction do the articular facets of C2 face? (Reference?)
Superior facets = Superolaterally
Inferior facets = Inferoanteriorly
(Dalton, 2011)
Why is the inferior surface of the vertebral body of C7 flatter?
To accommodate T1
What are the differences in the transverse processes of C7 compared to C1-C6?
Less prominent anterior (vestigial) and posterior tubercles
Foramen transversarium does not transmit vertebral artery
How does the spinous process of C7 differ?
Longest of c-spine
Not bifid
More solid and horizontal
What is the alternate name for C7?
Vertebra prominens
What direction do the articular facets of C7 face?
Superior facets = Superoposteriorly
Inferior facets = Inferoanteriorly
Describe the IV disc as a joint between vertebral bodies? What are their functions?
Symphysis joint: - Secondary cartilaginous joints Functions: - Strength - Weight bearing
Where does the annulus fibrosus of the IV discs attach?
Epiphyseal rim of articular surfaces of vertebral body
What ligaments stabilise the IV discs?
Anterior longitudinal ligament
Posterior longitudinal ligament
What spinal movements do the IV discs allow? (Reference?)
Flexion and extension
Lateral flexion
Rotation
(Swartz et al., 2005)
Why is the disc thicker in the c-spine?
Greater range of movement
Why is there more spinal movement when several discs combine motions?
Compression and tension simultaneously
What are the joints between the articular facets of the vertebrae?
Zygapophyseal joints = Synovial plane
What innervates the facet joints?
Articular branches from medial branches of posterior rami of spinal nerves
What structures stabilise the facet joints?
Thin joint capsule Ligamenta flava Intertransverse ligaments Supraspinous ligaments Interspinous ligaments
What is the reference for stabilising structures of the facet joints?
Snell, 2012
What movements are possible at the facet joints?
Flexion
Abduction
Adduction
Rotation
Why do the facet joints allow increased movement of the c-spine?
Large articular surfaces
Horizontal plane
Loose joint capsule
Why are the uncovertebral joints of Luschka considered ‘pseudojoints’?
Have a synovial membrane
No joint capsule
What else can the uncovertebral joints be considered?
Diarthrodial joints
Degenerated spaces of IV discs filled with ECF
What are the articular surfaces of the uncovertebral joints?
Uncinate process of C3-C7 and the inferolateral uncus of superior vertebra
What is the function of the uncovertebral joints in regards to IV discs?
Reinforce IV discs posterolaterally
What are the range of movements possible at the uncovertebral joints?
Flexion
Extension
Limited lateral flexion
What movements do the uncovertebral joints guide? (Reference?)
Couple rotation and lateral flexion
Hartman, 2014
What can degeneration of the uncovertebral joints compress? (Reference?)
Spinal nerve root
Vertebral artery
(Hartman, 2014)