Cervical Anatomy

Question 1

The cervical spine’s major function

Answer 1

supporting and cushioning loads to the head/neck while allowing for rotation and protecting the spinal cord extending from the brain.

Question 2

Atypical Vertebrae

Answer 2

C1, C2, C7

Question 3

Vertebrae have three main features that distinguish them from other vertebrates.

Answer 3

1. Triangular vertebral foramen.
2. Bifid spinous process is where the spinous process splits into two distally.
3. Transverse foramina – holes in the transverse processes. They give passage to the vertebral artery, vein, and sympathetic nerves.

Question 4

The first cervical vertebra and articulates with the occiput of the head and the axis

Answer 4

Atlas (C1)

Question 5

What is the difference between atlas and the atypical vertebras?

Answer 5

Has no vertebral body and no spinous process.

Question 6

Known as the vertebra prominens, which is similar to those in the thoracic vertebrae.

Answer 6

C7

Question 7

C2 is distinguishable from other atypical vertebrae because of the?

Answer 7

Dens (odontoid process) which extends superiorly from the anterior portion of the vertebrae

Question 8

Serves as a barrier to the nucleus pulposus pressure on the vertebral body to limit protrusion.

Answer 8

IVD

Question 9

Prevents hyperextension of the spine

Answer 9

ALL

Question 10

Prevents hyperflexion of the spine

Answer 10

PLL

Question 11

Outer layer of the IVD

Answer 11

Annulus Fibrosus

Question 12

Inner Layer of the IVD

Answer 12

Nucleus Pulposus

Question 13

Determines how much vertebral motion is possible at a particular segmental level

Answer 13

Disc Joint

Question 14

Determine the type of motion

Answer 14

facet joints

Question 15

Responsible for nodding and extending the head

Answer 15

Atlanto-occipital joint

Question 16

Responsible for cervical rotation

Answer 16

Atlanto-axial joints

Question 17

Formed by the articulation between the inferior facets of the lateral masses of C1 and the superior facets of C2.

Answer 17

Lateral Atlanto-Axial Joints

Question 18

What type of joint are the lateral atlantoaxial joints?

Answer 18

Plane Synovial Joints

Question 19

formed by the articulation of the dens of C2 with the articular facet of C1.

Answer 19

Medial atlanto-axial joint

Question 20

Type of joint are the Medial atlanto-axial joint

Answer 20

Pivot Type Synovial Joint

Question 21

Consist of an articulation between the spine and the cranium.

Answer 21

Atlanto-occipital joints

Question 22

Type of joints are the Atlanto-occipital joints

Answer 22

condyloid type synovial joints

Question 23

Long ligaments that run the length of the vertebral column, covering the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs.

Answer 23

Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments

Question 24

Connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.

Answer 24

Ligamentum flavum

Question 25

Connects the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae.

Answer 25

Interspinous ligament

Question 26

A continuation of the supraspinous ligament. It attaches to the tips of the spinous processes from C1-C7, and provides the proximal attachment for the rhomboids and trapezius.

Answer 26

Nuchal ligament

Question 27

Connects the lateral masses of the atlas and in doing so, anchors the dens in place.

Answer 27

Transverse ligament of the atlas

Question 28

Muscles forming musculoskeletal columns around vertebra. These are further divided into anterior, lateral and posterior vertebral muscle groups.

Answer 28

Vertebral Muscles

Question 29

Cervical Flexion Muscles

Answer 29

Longus colli Sternocleidomastoid Scalene anterior Longus capitis Rectus capitis anterior (head only)

Question 30

Cervical Extension Ms

Answer 30

Levator Scapulae Splenius cervicis Splenius capitis Trapezius Erector spinae Rectus capitis posterior, major and minor (head only)

Question 31

Lateral Flexion Muscles

Answer 31

Scalene anterior, medius and posterior Sternocleidomastoid Splenius capitis Trapezius Erector spinae Rectus capitis lateralis (head only)

Question 32

Cervical Rotation Muscles

Answer 32

Semispinalis cervicis Multifidus Scalene anterior Splenius cervicis and capitis Sternocleidomastoid Inferior oblique (head only) Rectus captitis posterior major (head only)

Question 33

The major stabilizing ligament of C1 and C2

Answer 33

Transverse Ligament

Question 34

The vertebral artery usually enters the transverse foramen at

Answer 34

C6