Cervical Vertebrae & Joints

C ___ vertebra has the longest spinous process & is referred to as the vertebra prominens

7

# of segments in each vertebrae: cervical= thoracic= lumbar= sacral= coccyx=

7 12 5 5 4

(atlas/axis): supports head pivots to turn head 1st cervical vertebra 2nd cervical vertebra

atlas axis atlas axis

the odontoid process, also known as the ______, is a unique feature for access to the C ___ (axis/atlas) vertebra. the superior part articulates w/ C ___. the inferior part articulates w/ C ___.

dens; 2; axis 1 3

the cervical vertebral foramen is (small/large) & (circular/triangular)

large; triangular

describe the size order of vertebrae:

size of vertebrae increase as you move down the spine (cervical smallest)

the cervical vertebral body is (small/large) & (thinner/wider) from side to side than anteroposteriorly the superior surface is (concave/convex) w/ the uncus of the body the inferior surface is (concave/convex)

small; wider concave convex

the bodies of the cervical vertebrae are (smaller/larger) than the thoracic vertebrae the vertebral arches of the cervical vertebrae are (smaller/larger) than the thoracic vertebrae

smaller larger

t/f extended retro extension can reduce/block blood flow especially via vertebral arteries

true

t/f pain & tx for intervertebral disc injury & herniation are the same as from whiplash & fracture of the dens

true (pain & muscle weakness of upper arm & neck; concervative tx)

order of vertebrae (top to bottom):

1. cervical 2. thoracic 3. lumbar 4. sacrum 5. coccyx

types of hyperextension of the neck:

1. fracture of posterior arch elements (pedicle, spine) 2. crush or compression fracture 3. intervertebral disc injury 4. "tear drop" fracture & dislocation of vertebrae 5. torn anterior longitudinal ligament

4 functions of the cervical spine:

1. housing & protection of the spinal cord 2. supports the head 3. movements of the head (up & down/yes & no) 4. facilitate blood flow to the brain

3 important joints of the vertebral column:

1. joints of vertebral bodies 2. joints of vertebral arches 3. craniovertebral (atlanto-axial & atlanto-occipital) joints

the cervical vertebrae has ___ # of vertebral foramina & ___ # of transverse foramina (vertebral/transverse) foramina of the cervical vertebrae are the largest in the spinal column bc they house the cervical _________ of the spinal cord

1; 2 vertebral; enlargement

short spinous processes= C___ bifid spinous processes= C___ t/f spinous process of C7 is long, but C6 is longer

3-5 3-6 false. C7 is longer

which cervical vertebrae are typical? which are atypical?

C1, 2 & 7 C3-6

which cervical vertebrae have a bifid spinal process?

C3-6

the anterior longitudinal ligament can be found running up the (ant/post) side of the spinal cord the posterior longitudinal ligament can be found running up the (ant/post) side of the spinal cord

ant. post.

the _______ vertebrae is responsible for supporting the head through the cervical spine the ________ artery is responsible for the facilitating blood flow to the brain through the cervical spine t/f facilitating blood flow is unique to the cervical spine

atlas vertebral true

the head is supported by the _________ vertebrae

cervical

the _________ houses the beginning of the brachioplexus

cervical spine

-make up bones in the neck -smallest of the vertebrae -have passageways for arteries leading to the brain

cervical vertebrae

the vertebral artery ascends through the _________ of the C ___ (axis/atlas) vertebra & into the brain

foramen transeverserium; 1; atlas

vertebral arteries & accompanying venous & sympathetic plexuses pas through the _________ of all cervical vertebrae except C ___. t/f this exception transmits only small accessory vertebral veins

foramina transversarii; 7 true

-anterior hyperflexion displacement fracture -atlanto-axial joint instability -neck pain worse w/ motion -tx: conservative, surgical if decompressed SC

fracture of the dens

what is the most common fracture of the axis?

fracture of the dens

-pain -muscle weakness -vertigo -loss of equilibrium all symptoms of...

improper neck positioning during dental care

-torn suraspinous & interspinous ligaments -rupture of intervertebral disc C5/6 w/ nucleus pulposus compressing C6 spinal nerve roots examples of what type of injury?

intervertebral disc injury & herniation

(superior/inferior) facets of the articular processes of the cervical vertebrae are directed superoposteriorly (superior/inferior) facets are directed infero-anteriorly obliquely placed facets are most likely nearly (vertical/horizontal) in this region

superior inferior horizontal

what part of the cervical vertebrae is the foramina transversarii?

transverse process

-hyperextension of the cervical spine due to a rear end crash -headache & pain in shoulder & upper arm, muscle weakness -conservative tx: PT -surgical tx: if decompressed SC

whiplash