topic 9

Question 1

what are the craniovertebral joints

Answer 1

atlanto-occipital condyles (C1 and C2).

atlanto axial joints (median and 2 x lateral).

Question 2

what are the lower cervical spine joints

Answer 2

C3 - C7

zygapophyseal joints
interbody joints
uncovertebral joints

Question 3

uncovertebral joints

Answer 3

also called joints of lushcka

synovial joints between cervical vertebral bodies lateral to intervertebral discs.

develops as annulus fibrosis degenerates, to permit large range of cervical movements.

Question 4

describe the atlas and axis

Answer 4

the atlas is the top piece that sits on top of the axis.

axis has the dens, atlas has the anterior arch.

Question 5

atlanto-occipital joint

Answer 5

synovial, biaxial, condyloid

movements - flexion/extension, lateral flexion and rotation - coupled contralaterally.

articular capsule - thin and loose to allows more ROM.

Question 6

membranes of the atlanto-occipital joint

Answer 6

anterior atlanto-occipital membrane- limits extension

posterior atlanto-occipital membrane - limits flexion

Question 6

membranes of the atlanto-occipital joint

Answer 6

anterior atlanto-occipital membrane- limits extension

posterior atlanto-occipital membrane - limits flexion

Question 6

membranes of the atlanto-occipital joint

Answer 6

anterior atlanto-occipital membrane- limits extension

posterior atlanto-occipital membrane - limits flexion

Question 6

membranes of the atlanto-occipital joint

Answer 6

anterior atlanto-occipital membrane- limits extension

posterior atlanto-occipital membrane - limits flexion

(both of these joints limit lateral flexion together).

anterior and posterior atlanto-axial membranes.

Question 7

atlanto-axial joints

Answer 7

median = synovial, uniaxial, pivot
lateral = synovial, multiaxial, plane.

no IV disc here because atlas has no body.

movements - rotation, approx 30 degrees total range.

2 separate joint cavities - one between dens and anterior arch of atlas, and one between desn and transverse ligament.

Question 8

what are the ligaments of the atlanto-axial joint

Answer 8

transverse ligament
apical ligament
tectorial membrane
cruciform ligament
alar ligament
ligamentum nuchae

Question 9

transverse ligament

Answer 9

holds dens firmly against ant. arch of atlas.

limits anterior glide of atlas during flexion

Question 10

apical ligament of dens

Answer 10

tip of dens to occipital bone

keeps dens to occipital bone connected

Question 11

tectorial membrane

Answer 11

superior continutation of the posterior longitudinal ligament (when it passes C1)

limits flexion

Question 12

cruciform ligament

Answer 12

extensions of transverse ligament as it passes over the dens

superiorly to occipital bone

inferiorly-posterior surface of body of axis

limits flexion

Question 13

alar ligament

Answer 13

from tip of dens to occipital bone and lateral mass of atlas.

limits flexion and contralateral rotation of lateral flexion.

Question 14

ligament nuchae

Answer 14

not a “true” ligament, it is a unique arrangement of tendons of fascia between posterior neck muscles

external occipital protuberance to spinous process of C7.