Cervical vertebra part one

The cervical spine is the most superior portion of the vertebral column, lying between the cranium and the thoracic vertebrae. It consists of seven distinct vertebrae, two of which are given unique names: The first cervical vertebrae (C1) is known as the atlas. The second cervical vertebrae (C2) is known as the axis.

1. CERVICAL SPINE PART 1 PHYSIOTHERAPY JUNOON BY Dr. VINITA

2. To fathom the Cervical Spine The occiput, atlas, axis and surrounding soft tissues are collectively referred to as the craniocervical region. Atypical, modified vertebrae (the atlas and axis), the absence of intervertebral discs, the presence of an odontoid peg and the configuration of double convex joints bilaterally at the C1–C2 articulation. The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) together with the occiput form a unique triad of articulations referred to as the occipito –atlantoaxial (O-AA) complex.

3. This complex is responsible for approximately one-third or 20° of the total cervical sagittal plane movements of flexion and extension. 4–7° of flexion and 17–21° of extension occur across this complex with the majority of this movement occurring specifically at the atlanto -occipital joint (C0-C1)

4. ATLANTO-OCCIPITAL JOINT The atlanto -occipital joint (A-O joint) configuration is specifically designed to facilitate upper cervical flexion and extension (retraction and protraction). The lack of intervertebral disc along with the congruous joint surfaces, which are long and thin and orientated in a posterior–anterior direction, facilitate the nodding movement of the head on neck. Axial rotation is the largest range of motion available across the O-AA Studies consistently show that the atlanto -axial joint provides 60% of the total cervical rotation, which amounts to approximately 38–56° to each side.

5. Cervical rotation has been shown to start at the C1–C2 level and to continue sequentially down the cervical spine with each joint moving only once the preceding joint has completed its range of movement Although the first, second and seventh vertebrae have special features, the rest of the vertebrae of the cervical spine are almost identical with the sixth having only minor distinguishing features.

6. The Vertebral Body The typical vertebra consists of two parts: the vertebral body and the vertebral arch. The body of the typical vertebra is a relatively small and broad mass of trabecular, spongy bone covered by a layer of cortical bone.

7. The cervical intervertebral joints are saddle-shaped and they consist of two concavities facing each other at 90°.

8. The Vertebral Arch

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