week 6- cervical spine Flashcards
What is the primary function of the cervical spine?
mobility, support, and protection of spinal canal and neural structures
How many pairs of exiting nerve roots are in the cervical spine?
8
How many intervertebral discs in the cervical spine?
6
where does most of the lordosis occur in the cervical spine?
at C1-C2 segment
Where does approximately 50% of flexion-extension occur in the cervical spine?
occiput-C1
Where does approximately 50% of rotation occur in the cervical spine?
C1-C2
What are uncovertebral joints also known as?
joints of Hubert von Luschka
Where are uncovertebral joints found?
only in the cervical spine
What type of joint are uncovertebral joints?
synovial plane joints
Name the atypical vertebra in the cervical spine
Atlas (C1)
Axis (C2)
Vertebra prominens (C7)
Why is the atlas ring shaped?
provides a big surface for occipital to sit on
Name some features of the atlas
ring shaped
2 lateral masses
biconcave superior articular surface
anterior and posterior arch
inferior articular surface
transverse foramen x 2
transverse processes
What is another name for the dens?
odontoid peg
Name some features of the axis
odontoid peg
2 lateral articular facets
transverse processes and foramen x2
lamina
bifid spinous process
name the most prominent vertebra we can palpate in the cervical spine
Vertebra Prominens
What type of joint is the atlanto-occipital joint?
synovial ellipsoid
Name the articular surfaces of the atlanto-occipital joint
C0- occipital condyles
C1-superior articular facet on the atlas
How many joints in the atlanto-axial joint region?
two
What can atlanto-axial instability occur due to?
traumatic, congenital or inflammatory disorder
What is the median atlanto-axial joint between?
dens and articular facet on atlas
What type of joint is the median atlanto-axial joint?
synovial pivot joint
Name the articular surfaces of the median Atlanto-axial joint
convex rectangular facet on the front of the dens
concave facet inner aspect of anterior arch of the atlas
posterior surface of the dens articulates with the transverse ligament
What type of joint is the lateral Atlanto-axial joint?
synovial plane joint
What are the articular surfaces of the lateral Atlanto-axial joint?
two concave inferior facets of the atlas articulate with the two concave superior facets of the axis
Name the upper cervical spine ligaments
transverse ligament
cruciform ligament
alar ligament
apical ligament
tectorial membrane
ligamentum nuchae
posterior atlantoaxial membrane
anterior atlantoaxial membrane