Cervical Spine Anatomy

Cervical Spine Anatomy

• The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae (C1-C7) that make up the neck region.
• It is a complex and highly mobile region, allowing for a wide range of motion.

Cervical Vertebrae

• C1 (atlas): ring-shaped, supports the head, and allows for flexion and rotation.
• C2 (axis): permits rotation of the head, and has a dens that acts as a pivot point.
• C3-C6: typical cervical vertebrae, with a vertebral body, pedicles, and transverse processes.
• C7 (vertebra prominens): has a large spinous process and is visible at the base of the neck.

Ligaments and Joints

• Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments: run along the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs.
• Intervertebral discs: absorb shock and provide flexibility between vertebrae.
• Facet joints: gliding joints between vertebrae that allow for flexion, extension, and rotation.
• Atlanto-occipital joint: connects the atlas to the occipital bone, allowing for flexion and extension.

Muscles and Movement

• Flexion: performed by the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles.
• Extension: performed by the trapezius and splenius capitis muscles.
• Rotation: performed by the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles.
• Lateral flexion: performed by the scalene and levator scapulae muscles.

Clinical Relevance

• Herniated discs: can cause nerve compression and pain.
• Spondylosis: degenerative changes in the spine can lead to pain and stiffness.
• Whiplash: a common injury resulting from rapid flexion and extension of the neck.
• Spinal cord injuries: can result from trauma or disease, and can have serious consequences.

Cervical Spine Anatomy

• The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae (C1-C7) that form the neck region and allow for a wide range of motion.

Cervical Vertebrae

• C1 (atlas) is ring-shaped and supports the head, allowing for flexion and rotation.
• C2 (axis) permits rotation of the head and has a dens that acts as a pivot point.
• C3-C6 are typical cervical vertebrae, with a vertebral body, pedicles, and transverse processes.
• C7 (vertebra prominens) has a large spinous process and is visible at the base of the neck.

Ligaments and Joints

• Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments run along the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs, providing stability.
• Intervertebral discs absorb shock and provide flexibility between vertebrae.
• Facet joints are gliding joints between vertebrae that allow for flexion, extension, and rotation.
• The atlanto-occipital joint connects the atlas to the occipital bone, enabling flexion and extension.

Muscles and Movement

• Flexion of the neck is performed by the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles.
• Extension of the neck is performed by the trapezius and splenius capitis muscles.
• Rotation of the neck is performed by the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles.
• Lateral flexion of the neck is performed by the scalene and levator scapulae muscles.

Clinical Relevance

• Herniated discs can cause nerve compression and pain.
• Spondylosis is a degenerative change in the spine that can lead to pain and stiffness.
• Whiplash is a common injury resulting from rapid flexion and extension of the neck.
• Spinal cord injuries can result from trauma or disease and can have serious consequences.