Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which vertebra is unique in having no body or spinous process?
Which vertebra is unique in having no body or spinous process?
What is the primary function of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae?
What is the primary function of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae?
Which statement best describes the orientation of the facet joints between the occiput (C0) and atlas (C1)?
Which statement best describes the orientation of the facet joints between the occiput (C0) and atlas (C1)?
Which joints are primarily responsible for lateral flexion and rotation movements in the cervical spine?
Which joints are primarily responsible for lateral flexion and rotation movements in the cervical spine?
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Which structure is primarily responsible for the height and spacing between adjacent cervical vertebrae?
Which structure is primarily responsible for the height and spacing between adjacent cervical vertebrae?
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What is the primary function of the uncovertebral joints in the cervical spine?
What is the primary function of the uncovertebral joints in the cervical spine?
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What is the primary function of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine?
What is the primary function of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine?
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What percentage of cervical rotation occurs at the atlanto-axial (C1-C2) joint?
What percentage of cervical rotation occurs at the atlanto-axial (C1-C2) joint?
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What is the total range of flexion-extension at the atlanto-occipital (C0-C1) joint?
What is the total range of flexion-extension at the atlanto-occipital (C0-C1) joint?
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What is the primary cause of osteophyte formation in the uncovertebral joints of the cervical spine?
What is the primary cause of osteophyte formation in the uncovertebral joints of the cervical spine?
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What is the primary function of the ligamentum nuchae in the cervical spine?
What is the primary function of the ligamentum nuchae in the cervical spine?
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What is the primary blood supply to the upper cervical spine?
What is the primary blood supply to the upper cervical spine?
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Which anatomical structure accounts for up to 50% of rotation in the neck?
Which anatomical structure accounts for up to 50% of rotation in the neck?
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What is the approximate orientation of the cervical facet joints in the transverse plane?
What is the approximate orientation of the cervical facet joints in the transverse plane?
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Which statement about the cervical intervertebral disc (IVD) is correct?
Which statement about the cervical intervertebral disc (IVD) is correct?
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What is the primary function of the uncovertebral joints in the cervical spine?
What is the primary function of the uncovertebral joints in the cervical spine?
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Which structure holds the foramen for the vertebral artery, vein, and plexus, as well as the groove for the spinal nerve?
Which structure holds the foramen for the vertebral artery, vein, and plexus, as well as the groove for the spinal nerve?
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What is a clinical pearl regarding the orientation of the cervical zygapophyseal joint planes?
What is a clinical pearl regarding the orientation of the cervical zygapophyseal joint planes?
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Study Notes
Cervical Vertebrae Anatomy
- C1 (Atlas) has 2 facets laterally and 1 medially with dens and anterior arch, allowing for nodding and stabilization.
- Transverse ligament controls C1 on C2 anterior displacement, stabilizes, and provides a cartilaginous surface.
- C1-2 joint allows for up to 50% of rotation in the neck and most of the initial ROM.
C2 Vertebrae Anatomy
- C2 vertebrae are 50% wider than they are deep.
- Transverse process holds foramen for vertebral artery, vein, and plexus, and a groove for the spinal nerve.
- Facet orientation is roughly 45 degrees in the transverse plane with a loose capsule, allowing for motion in all planes.
Cervical Spine Clinical Pearls
- Cervical IVD development is distinctly different from that of the lumbar disk.
- Zygapophyseal joint planes can be thought of as passing through a patient's nose.
- Uncovertebral joints guide cervical flexion and extension, reduce side bending, prevent posterior translation of neighboring vertebrae, and reinforce the posterolateral aspect of the IVD.
Cervical Spine Stability and Loading
- Spinal stability is the column's ability to react to multiple forces placed on it.
- Degeneration increases instability, and the body reacts to restore stability through fibrosus and osteophytic changes.
- Types of segmental loading include axial compression, bending, torsion, and shear.
Cervical Vertebrae Types
- Atypical Cervical C1 & C2 are different in form, supporting head movement.
- Typical Cervical C3-C6 have a standard structure.
- Atypical Cervical C7 is structurally capable of functioning more like a thoracic vertebra.
C0-C1 Joint
- C0-1 joint contains the occipital condyle, which is convex.
- C1 has no body, disk, or spinous process, allowing for free space and a large neutral zone for cord protection.
- Lateral facets of C0 on C1 are concave, and C1 on C0 is convex, allowing for flexion/extension or nodding with minimal lateral flexion/rotation.
Ligaments
- Long ligaments (posterior and anterior longitudinal) are important for maintaining head position during locomotion and stability of the vertebral column.
- Short ligaments (interspinous, intertransversarius, lig. flavum, and interlaminar) are important for proprioception and stability.
Upper Cervical Ligaments
- Atlanto-Occipital Joint (OA) has a total range of flexion-extension of 20 degrees.
- Atlanto-Axial Joint (AA) has a loose fibrous capsule enclosing the joints at articular margins, with a center of rotation that allows for 50% of cervical rotation.
Blood Supply
- Vertebral Artery arises from the subclavian artery.
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Description
Learn about the unique structures and functions of the Atlas C1 and Axis C2 vertebrae in the neck. Understand how these vertebrae work together to provide stability, control displacement, and allow for nodding and rotation of the neck.
