Cervical Spine

How many C vertebrae are there?

7

Which C vertebrae are the typical vertebrae?

C3-C6

What type of curve does the C spine have?

secondary (lordotic)

concave posterior, convex anterior

The transverse foramen of C vertebrae contain ___

an artery that goes to the brain

C3-C6 have ___ spinous processes

bifid

The area between the articulating processes of a singular vertebrae are called ___

pillars

The articulating processes (zygapophyseal joints) of C vertebrae sit at a ___ angle and are visualized in a(n) ___

90^o

lateral position (for C3-C7)

AP position (for C1/C2)

C vertebrae pedicles come off of the body at a ___ angle and (intervertebral foramina) are visualized in a(n) ___

45^o

oblique position (15^o cephalic angle if AP, 15^o caudal angle if PA)

If done as AP obliques, intervertebral foramina are demonstrated as side ___

up

The first C vertebrae is called the ___

atlas

What are the 4 parts of the atlas?

1. anterior arch

2. posterior arch

3. lateral masses

4. transverse process

The posterior tubercle of C1 is the ___

spinous process

Which arch of C1 is bigger?

posterior

The areas of the superior articulating processes/facets of C1 are known as ___

lateral masses

Does C1 have a body?

NO

What the ligament that runs across C1 called?

transverse atlantal ligament

The posterior portion of C1 (as divided by the transverse atlantal ligament) ___

transmits the proximal end of the spinal cord

The anterior portion of C1 (as divided by the transverse atlantal ligament) ___

receives C2

What is the atlantooccipital joint?

the superior articulating facets of C1 articulating with the occipital condyles of the skull

What is the classification of the atlantooccipital joint?

diarthrodial, synovial, ellipsoidal (condylar)

allows flexion and extension (nodding your head)

C2 is also called the ___

axis

Explain the spinous process of C2

thick and blunt

C2 has all the anatomy of a typical C vertebrae, except ___

it has the dens/odontoid process

What is another name for the atlantoaxial joint?

atlanto-epistropheal joint

What is the atlantoaxial joint?

odontoid is received into the anterior portion of C1

What is the classification of the atlantoaxial joint?

diarthrodial, synovial

Medial (dens and atlas ring): trochoid/pivot

Lateral (articulating processes/zygapophyseal): gliding/plane

The AP “open mouth” projection demonstrates ___

• the incisors lined up with base of skull

• odontoid tip

• C1/C2 zygapophyseal joint

The C7 spinous process is called the ___

vertebral prominence

Why is C7 considered atypical?

it has a very long spinous process

Explain the Hangman’s fracture

• involves C2

• fracture through C2 pedicles on both sides

• results from extreme hyperextension

What type of fracture is shown?

Hangman’s fracture

Explain Jefferson’s fracture

• involves C1

• anterior and posterior arches of C1 are fractured by force (such as hitting head on bottom of shallow swimming pool)

• often involves paralysis

Explain odontoid fracture (including the 3 types)

• direct impact from the anterior arch of atlas during hyperextension or hyperflexion

• Type 1: extends through the tip of the dens

• Type 2: extends through the base of dens

• Type 3: extends through the vertebral body of the axis