Cervical Spine Lab Manual

most superior cervical vertebra that supports head

atlas

second cervical vertbra with unique dens

axis

how much of the rotation that occurs in the c-spine happens at C1-C2?

50%

the _____ pivots around the ______ of the ______ to allow cervical rotation

atla, dens, axis

defining features of the axis (C2)

odtontoid process (dens), large and palpable spinous process

defining features of the atlas (C1)

doesn’t contain vertebral body or spinous process

is there and IV foramen or disc b/w C1 and C2?

no

features of the typical cervical vertebrae (C3-C7)

transverse foramen, short bifid spinous processes, small vertebral bodies, triangular and large vertebral foramen, horizontally oriented articular facets

which typical cervical vertebra does not have a bifid spinous process? what are its defining features

C7- is especially long, prominent, and palpable at the lower neck

why are cervical vertebral bodies small?

they do not have to bear as much weight as the thoracic or lumbar vertbrae

what distinguishes thoracic vertebrae from cervical vertebrae?

thoracic vertebrae do not have transverse foramina or bifid spinous processes

what is the function of IV discs?

weight bearing and strength

outer layer of the disc that is composed of many fibrocartilage
laminae. This part of the IV disc is made up of dense regular connective tissue and contains collagen layers that are laid down in different directions to add strength to the disc

annulus fibrosus

the inner layer of the IV disc that is rich in hyaluronic acid, making it a gelatinous substance. It provides shock absorption for the disc

nucleus pulposus

articulations between the unci of the lower cervical vertebrae. This area is a frequent site of bone spurs that can contribute to cervical pain

uncovertebral joints

Adjacent vertebral arches are connected by synovial joints between the superior and inferior articular facets. These joints allow for gliding motions depending on their orientation

zygapophyseal joints (facets)

These joints are formed by the lateral masses of the Atlas and the occipital condyles of the cranium

atlanto-occipital joints

what motions occur at the AO joints?

flexion and extension, a small degree of lateral flexion

what motions occur at the AA joints?

rotation

Two lateral and one median joint that are located between the C1 and C2 vertebrae

atlanto-axial joints

joints represent the connection between the thoracic vertebrae and the ribs

costovertebral joints

connect the head of the ribs with the costal facets of the two adjacent vertebral bodies, one superior and one inferior

costocorporeal joints

what is the function of costocorporeal joints

allow the ribs to rotate ascend and descend during respiration

forms between the tubercle of the rib and transverse process of the corresponding vertebra

costotransverse joints

what is the potential consequence if there is a tear n the cruciate ligament of the c-spine?

C1 could translate forward on C2 possibly compromising the spinal cord

label the ligaments

alar , cruciate, transverse band of cruciate, ascending band, descending band

what muscles make up the sub occipital region

rectus capitus posterior major, rectus capitus posterior minor, obliquus capitus superior, obliquus capitus inferior

what muscles form the area called the suboccipital triangle

rectus capitus posterior major, obliquus capitus superior, obliquus capitus inferior

what is contained in the suboccipital triangle?

vertebral artery, posterior arch of C1, suboccipital nerve

where is the greater occipital nerve found?

inferior to the obliquus capitis inferior (not in the suboccipital riangle)

what muscles make up the suprahyoid group?

mylohyoid, geniohyoid, stylohyoid, digastric

what muscles make up the infrahyoid group?

sternohyoid, omohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid

Function of the suprahyoid muscles

elevate hyoid, assists with speaking and swallowing

function of the infrahyoid muscles

depress the hyoid