Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Sofia Ramos April 19, 2012 Journal 17 Spring 2012 C I: Troy Hill In Evaluation of Upper Extremity we are learning about the cervical spine. There are seven cervical vertebrae. C1, also known as atlas, has no vertebral body. It supports the weight of the skull through two concave facet surfaces forming the atlanto-occipital joint. The primary movement is flexion, extension, and slight lateral flexion. The axis, known as C2, permits no movement and provides the majority of rotation of the skull. The transverse processes of C3-C7 contain the transverse foramen through which the vertebral artery passes. Intervertebral discs are found in between each vertebra except between C1 and C2. Intervertebral discs provide strong attachments between vertebral bodies uniting them into a semi-rigid column. They account for 20-25% of the height of the vertebral column. Intervertebral discs permit movement between vertebrae and acts as shock absorbers. There are many ligaments that consist and run through the cervical vertebrae. The anterior longitudinal ligament strengthens the anterior portion of the four discs and limits extension of the cervical spine. Posterior longitudinal ligament primarily limits flexion and reinforces the posterior aspect of the four discs. The interspinous ligament occupies the space between the spinous processes and limits flexion and rotation. The intertransverse ligament consists of scattered fibers and connects the adjacent transverse processes. The ligamentum flavum is a pair of elastic ligaments connecting the lamina of one vertebra to the lamina of the vertebra above it. The ligamentum flavum limits flexion and rotation. The ligamentum nuchae is the extension of the supraspinous ligament. The ligamentum nuchae is a triangular septum that serves as a broad area for muscle attachment. It restricts flexion of the cervical spine. The brachial plexus is formed by the C5-T1 nerve roots. C5 and C6 join together to form the upper trunk. C7 forms the middle trunk. C8 and T1 merge to form the lower trunk.