Vertebral Joints & Ligaments Flashcards
What is the uncovertebral joint and what does it do?
It is located at C3-C6 on the body of the vertebrae
It prevents lateral and posterior displacement of the intervertebral discs
Aids in ramping of the head
Where is the atlantoaxial joint?
It is between C1 and C2
It allows pivot articulation between the odontoid process of the axis and the ring formed by the anterior arch and the transverse ligament of the atlas.
What is the zygopophyseal joint?
It is in between the articular facets that articulate
Example: inferior articular facet with superior articular facet of other vertebrae
provides structural stability to vertebral column
Filled with synovial joint fluid
What is the anterior longitudinal ligament and where is it located?
It is located on the anterior portion of the body of the vertebrae?
It helps prevent hyperextension
What is the posterior longitudinal ligament?
It is a ligament that runs along the anterior aspect of the vertebral foramen on the vertebral bodies.
Can help with hyperextension
What is the interspinous ligament?
It is located in between the spinous processes from C7 all the way down.
Prevents hyperflexion
What is the ligamentum flava and where is it located?
The ligamentum flava is located in segments between each lamina.
It keeps the bodies of the vertebrae together
What is the supraspinous ligament?
It is on the spinous process of the vertebrae and starts at C7 and goes all the way down.
It is very thin and doesn’t do a whole lot.
Describe the nucchal ligament
The nucchal ligament goes from the nuchal lines - C7
It prevents hyperflexion of the neck
What does the transverse ligament do?
It keeps the odontoid process in contact with the anterior arch of the atlas.
What are intervertebral discs?
They are a type of cartilaginous joint, symphysis.
They provide cushion for the vertebrae and shock absorption.
What are intervertebral discs good at?
They are good at just flexion
They are NOT good at flexion and lateral rotation.
What are the components of the intervertebral disc?
- *Annulus fibrosus** (outer region)
- Dense, thick, elastic fiber
- Support
- *Nucleus Pulposis**
- Flexible
- Mostly water, in a healthy person it’s snot-like
Where and how does a herniation usually occur?
Usually happens at L5-S1
Posterior and Lateral (left)
What happens if the nucleolis pulposis exits with a dic herniation?
The spinal nerve root is compressed. The nucleous pulposis has exited through the intervertebral foramen and is causing radiating pain.
