Chapter 15: Neck & Trunk

Known as vertebra prominent because of its LONGand prominent SPINOUS process. it resembles thoracic vertebra an can be easily palpated with the neck in flexion.

C7

Occurs when the head suddenly and violently hyperextends and then flexes.

Cervical Sprain

Occurs when there is a weakness or degeneration of the annulus fibrosus (outer layer).

Herniated disks

Bony prominence behind the ear to which the sternocleidomastoid muscles attaches.

Mastoid Process

Consists of a synovial articulation btwn the odontoid process (dens) of the axis and the anterior arch of the atlas anteriorly and the transverse ligament posteriorly.

Medial atlantoaxial joint

What are the 3 atlantoaxial joints?

Medial atlantoaxial joint and 2 lateral atlantoaxial joints

Btwn the articular processes of the 2 vertebrae.

2 Lateral atlantoaxial ligaments

What is the function of the intervertebral disk?

Absorb and transmit shock and maintain flexibility of the vertebral column. The disk makes up 25% of the total length of the column.

A chronic inflammation of the vertebral column and sacroiliac joints, leads to fusion. It is a progressive rheumatic disease; overtime, it can lead to total loss of spinal mobility.

Ankylosing spondylitis

The outer portions of the disk consisting of several concentrically arranged fibrocartilaginous rings that serve to contain the nucleus pulposus.

Annulus Fibrosus

The anterior portion of C1.

Anterior Arch

The vertebrae are arranged in a manner that forms?

Anterior-Posterior (convex-concave) curves in the vertebral column.

Projecting superiorly and inferiorly off the posterior surface of each lamina, and so named. Superior articular processes face posteriorly or medially, whereas inferior processes face anteriorly or laterally.

Articular Process

This joint is formed the condyles of the occiput that articulates with the superior articular processes of the atlas.

Atlanto-occipital joint

The articulation btwn the head and C1 (atlas) is often called the?

Atlanto-occipital joint -Flexion/Extension-

The joint btwn C1 & C2?

Atlantoaxial joint -rotation- -shaking the head "no"- -C1(atlas) rotates on C2 (axis)-

The articulations btwn the atlas and axis are known as?

Atlantoaxial joints

The first cervical vertebra upon which the cranium rests. Because of its supports the globe of the head, it is named after the Titan in Greek mythology who held up earth. It is ring shapes and has no body or spinous process.

Atlas (C1)

The second cervical vertebra is so names because it forms the pivot that allows rotation of the atlas, which supports the head.

Axis (C2)

Refers to the base, or inferior, portion of the occiput.

Basilar Area

Being primarily a cylindrical mass of cancellous bone, it is the anterior portion of the vertebrae and the major weight-bearing structure. It is not present in the atlas or axis. Btwn C#-S1, bodies become progressively LARGER, bearing progressively MORE weight.

Body

Bony landmarks of the Vertebrae:

Body (except C1&C2) Neural Arch Vertebral Foramen Pedicle Lamina Transverse and Spinous Processes

Typically result in the collapse of the anterior (body) portion of the vertebrae. They are usually caused by trauma in the lumbar region or by osteoporosis in the thoracic region.

Compression fracture

In Latin means "half", so a partial or half facet; located laterally on the superior and inferior edges of the vertebral body were ribs articulate with thoracic vertebrae. depending on rib placement o the body, a facet or ____ may be found on these edges.

Demifacet

Large vertical projection located anteriorly on the axis. Cervical rotation occurs through its articulation with the atlas.

Dens AKA odontoid process

Posterior longitudinal ligament prevents?

Excess flexion

Thoracic vertebrae contact with a rib.

Facet

They are located superiorly and inferiorly on the sides of the vertebral bodies and on the transverse processes of thoracic vertebrae. It is here that the ribs articulate with the vertebrae.

Facet AKA Costal Facets

Articulation of superior articular process and interior articular process of vertebrae.

Facet joint

An abnormally decreased lumbar curve.

Flat back

Opening in the occipital bone through which the spinal cord enters the cranium.

Foramen Magnum

Anterior longitudinal ligaments prevents?

Hyperextension

Runs btwn successive spinous processes.

Interspinal ligament

Btwn each vertebrae, and articulates adjacent with the body of the vertebrae?

Intervertebral Disk

Opening formed by the superior vertebral notch of the vertebrae below and the inferior vertebral notch of the vertebra above.

Intervertebral Foramen

An abnormally increased thoracic curve.

Kyphosis

Posterior portion of the neural arch that unites from each side in the midline.

Lamina

Connects adjacent laminae anteriorly.

Ligamentum flavum

An abnormally increased curve of the lumbar spine. "Swayback"

Lordosis

It is posterior portion of the vertebrae with many different parts.

Neural Arch AKA Vertebral Arch

The ridge running horizontally along the back of the head from the occipital protuberance toward the mastoid process.

Nuchal Line

Which ligament takes the place of the supraspinal and interspinal ligaments in the cervical region?

Nuchal ligament

Pulpy, gelatinous substance with a high water content in the center of the disk. At birth, it is approx. 80% water, decreasing to less than 70% at 60 years of age. This is partially why an individual loses height with advanced age.

Nucleus Pulposus

Also called the occiput, it forms the posterior inferior part of the cranium.

Occipital Bone

Located lateral to the foramen magnum on the occiput; provides articulation with the atlas (C1).

Occipital Condyles

The small prominence in the center of the occiput.

Occipital Protuberance

Neck & trunk bony landmarks:

Occipital bone Occipital protuberance Nuchal line Basilar area Foramen magnum Occipital condyles Temporal bone Mastoid process

Meaning "porous bone", is a disease in which bone is removed faster than it can be laid down.

Osteoporosis

Portion of the neural arch just posterior to the body and anterior to the lamina.

Pedicle

The pain that tends to run down the posterior thigh and leg. It is caused by pressure on the ______ nerve roots and usually is symptomatic of an underlying pathology such as a herniated lumbar disc.

Sciatica; sciatic

Any amount of lateral curve is a pathological condition knows as?

Scoliosis

A narrowing of the vertebral canal that houses the spinal cord.

Spinal stenosis

The most posterior projection on the neural arch; located at the junction of the 2 laminae. It serves as a point of attachment for many muscles & ligaments and can be palpated throughout the length of the vertebral column.

Spinous Process

Usually results from a fracture, or giving way, of a defective pars interarticularis. One vertebra slips forward in relation to an adjacent vertebra, usually L5 slipping anterior on S1.

Spondylolisthesis

A vertebral defect in the pars interarticularis ( part of the lamina btwn the superior and inferior articular processes). Most commonly seen in L5 and less commonly in L4

Spondylolysis

Extends from C7 distally to the sacrum posteriorly along the tips of the spinous processes.

Supraspinal ligament

Forms part of the base and lateral inferior sides of the cranium.

Temporal Bone

A general term referring to compression of the neuromuscular structures (brachial plexus and subclavian artery and vein) that run from the neck to the axilla.

Thoracis outlet syndrome

From the Latin words meaning "twisted" and "neck", it is a deformity of the neck in which the person's head is laterally bent to one side and rotated toward the other side.

Torticollis

Holes or opening in the transverse process of each of the cervical vertebra through which the VERTEBRAL ARTERY PASSES.

Transverse Foramen

Formed at the union of the lamina and pedicle, the lateral projections of the arch to which muscles and ligaments attach.

Transverse Process

The DoF and motions of the vertebral column:

Triaxial, 3 DoF Flexion/Extension/Hyperextension -SAGITTAL plan around FRONTAL axis- Lateral Bending -FRONTAL plane around SAGITTAL axis- Rotation -TRANSVERSE plane around VERTICAL axis-

Opening formed by the joining of the body and neural arch through which the spinal cord passes.

Vertebral Formen

Depressions located on the superior and inferior surfaces of the pedicle, and are so named.

Vertebral Notches