vertebral column of the neck Flashcards
what are the functions of the vertebral column?
- muscle attachment
- mobility
- protection
- weight transfer
- haematopoiesis
what classification of joint exists between the vertebral bodies?
secondary cartilagenous
what region of the vertebral column would you find the atlas and axis?
cervical region
is the curvature in the cervical region primary or secondary?
secondary
what shape is the atlas C1?
ring shaped
where does the atlas lie?
above axis
what is the anatomy of the atlas C1?
transverse process intervertebral process anterior and posterior arches 2 thick lateral masses groove for vertebral artery at base of posterior arch
where are the 2 lateral masses on the atlas?
lie anteriorly and medially forming a bony bridge
are the superior articular facets concave or convex?
concave for occipital condyles
what is the shape of the inferior articular facets?
round and flat for axis
what runs within the groove of the atlas?
first spinal nerve runs parallel to the vertebral artery within the groove
what is the anatomy of the axis C2?
Large spinous process pedicle dens body large laminae
what is the dens of the axis C2?
transverse groove which the transverse ligament of the atlas passes
what does the axis C2 articulate with?
C3 vertebrae via an oblique apophyseal joint
the angle upwards of the axis C2 is forming what?
pars interarticularis
what is the anatomy of the occipital bone?
superior nuchal line
inferior nuchal line
external occiput protuberance
occipital condyles
what is the midline protuberance along the superior nuchal line known as?
external occipital protuberance
what is more noticeable the inferior nuchal line or the superior nuchal line?
superior nuchal line
where is the inferior nuchal line?
between foramen magnum and superior line
what are the occipital condyles?
a pair of convex oval swellings flanking the foramen magnum
what do the occipital condyles articulate with?
the superior facets of the atlas
what are the ligaments of the cranio- cervical junction?
anterior longitudinal ligament interspinous ligament tectorial membrane small apical ligament alar ligaments nuchal ligament transverse ligament
where does the anterior longitudinal ligament extend?
along the ventral surface of the vertebral bodies
what does the interspinous ligament connect to?
the posterior margin of the foramen magnum to the posterior arch of the atlas
what is the tectorial membrane?
an extension of the posterior longitudinal ligament
where does the small apical ligament extend to?
from the tip of the odontoid to the foramen magnum
where do the alar ligaments extend?
from the opposite sides of the odontoid process to occipital condyles
where does the nuchal ligament come from?
spinous process of C7 to the external occipital protuberance and crest
what do the transverse ligament connect?
connects both lateral masses of the atlas and passes dorsal to the odontoid
what arteries provide blood supply to the cranio-cervical region?
the vertebral and occipital arteries
what arises from the vertebral arteries?
anterior and posterior ascending vessels
where do the anterior and posterior ascending arteries pass?
pass ventral and dorsal to the body of the axis and the odontoid process, and in apical arcade in the alar ligament
what is the most mobile area of the spine and of the axial skeleton?
the cranio-cervical junction
the complex bony features, ligaments and joint orientations of the cranio-cervical junction allows what?
rotation, flexion, extension and lateral bending of the neck