Musculoskeletal System - Bones and Joints of the Neck

Flashcards covering the anatomy and imaging of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.

Atlas

C1; a balancing act

Axis

C2

Vertebra prominens

C7; used as a reference point

Uncovertebral joints

Located between C3 and C7

Transverse foramen

Passage for vertebral arteries and veins

Anterior and posterior tubercles

For attachment of muscles

Dens

Part of C2; articulates with C1

Cruciform ligament

Securing the dens

Tectorial membrane

Posterior longitudinal ligament connection to skull

Coronal (Frontal) Plane

Divides the body into front and back sections

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into left and right sections

Axial Plane

Divides the body into upper and lower segments

Number of Cervical vertebrae

7

Number of Thoracic vertebrae

12

Number of Lumbar vertebrae

5

Number of Sacrum vertebrae

5 fused

Number of Coccyx vertebrae

3-5 variably fused

Cervical Vertebrae Morphology

Small vertebral body + Large Canal

Thoracic Vertebrae Morphology

Round v. beely + Smaller canal

Lumbar Vertebrae Morphology

Larger V.B Smaller Canal

Atlas

C1

Axis / Dens

C2

Thoracic spine

Extends from C7 to L1

Lumbar spine

T12 to S1, 5 lumbar vertebrae

Sacrum and coccyx

Forms posterior part of bony pelvis

Spinal cord

Extends from corticomedullary junction at foramen magnum to the tip of the conus medullaris

CT (Computed Tomography)

Used for trauma, pain, nerve root compression, canal stenosis

CT (Computed Tomography)

Used when cervical spine fracture is suspected

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Useful in assessment of cord damage, ligamentous injury, haematoma

T2 MRI

Fluid and fat are bright. Good for anatomy. Cord signal change

T1 MRI

Fluid dark. Fat (in marrow) bright Good for anatomy

STIR MRI

Fluid bright Fat dark. Oedema in bone and soft tissues bright