Cervical Spine Anatomy (eOrthopod)

Summary

The cervical spine, composed of seven vertebrae (C1-C7), is crucial for supporting the skull and facilitating head movement. It also protects the spinal cord, the brain's connection to the body. Key terms like 'anterior' and 'posterior' describe its parts, with C1, the atlas, and C2, the axis, being particularly significant for neck rotation. Each vertebra has a vertebral body and a bony ring that forms a protective spinal canal. The cervical spine features unique openings for blood vessels and facet joints that allow a wide range of motion. Understanding this complex structure can help manage neck pain and dysfunction.

Takeaways

• 🏌️ The cervical spine supports the skull and facilitates head movement for vision.
• 🛡️ It also protects the spinal cord, which is the link between the brain and the rest of the body.
• 🗣️ Key anatomic terms: 'anterior' for the front of the neck and 'posterior' for the back.
• 🦴 The human spine consists of 24 vertebrae, with 7 of them forming the cervical spine (C1 to C7).
• 🔝 The top cervical vertebra, C1, connects to the skull, and the cervical spine curves inward slightly.
• 🔄 The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) have a unique connection that allows for the neck's rotational movement.
• 💠 Each cervical vertebra from C2 to C7 has a vertebral body and a bony ring that forms a protective cover over the spinal cord.
• 🕳️ The spinal canal is the hollow tube inside the vertebral column that houses the spinal cord.
• 🔗 The cervical vertebrae have transverse foramina, which allow blood vessels to supply the brain.
• 🔄 Facet joints between vertebrae permit a wide range of neck movements.
• 🌿 The spinal cord is composed of nerve fibers, with nerve roots branching off at each vertebra level.
• 🔗 Ligaments and intervertebral discs provide stability and flexibility to the cervical spine.
• 💪 The cervical muscles, both anterior and posterior, play a crucial role in neck movement and support.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the cervical spine?

The cervical spine supports the skull and allows us to move our head to direct our vision. It also protects the spinal cord, which is the connection between our brain and the rest of our body.

What do the terms 'anterior' and 'posterior' refer to in the context of the cervical spine?

In the context of the cervical spine, 'anterior' refers to the front of the neck, while 'posterior' refers to the back of the neck.

How many vertebrae make up the cervical spine and what are they commonly referred to as?

The cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae, which are commonly referred to as C1 to C7.

What is unique about the connection between the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2)?

The atlas (C1) sits on top of the axis (C2), which has a large bony knob on top called the dens. The dens points up and fits through a hole in the atlas, allowing the neck most of its ability to turn left and right.

What is the main section of each cervical vertebra from C2 to C7 called?

The main section of each cervical vertebra from C2 to C7 is called the vertebral body, which is a round block of bone.

What is the function of the spinal canal within the cervical spine?

The spinal canal is a hollow tube formed by the stacked vertebrae that surrounds and protects the spinal cord.

What are the spinous processes and where are they located?

The spinous processes are bony projections that project posteriorly at the point where the two lamina bones join together at the back of the spine. They can be felt as you rub your fingers up and down the back of your neck.

What is the purpose of the transverse foramen in the cervical vertebrae?

The transverse foramen is an opening that passes through each transverse process in the cervical vertebrae, providing a passageway for arteries that supply blood to the back of the brain.

How do facet joints contribute to the movement of the cervical spine?

Facet joints connect the vertebrae together and slide against one another, allowing the neck to move in many directions. They are covered by articular cartilage, which allows for smooth and frictionless movement.

What is the structure of an intervertebral disc and what is its main function?

An intervertebral disc is made of two parts: the nucleus pulposus, which is a spongy material that provides most of the shock absorption in the spine, and the annulus, a series of strong ligamentous rings that attach to the vertebrae above and below the disc.

How do the muscles in the anterior and posterior cervical areas contribute to the function of the cervical spine?

The anterior cervical muscles run from the rib cage and collar bone to the cervical vertebrae, jaw, and skull, while the posterior cervical muscles cover the bones along the back of the spine. These muscles help in the movement and stabilization of the cervical spine.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Cervical Spine Structure and Function

The cervical spine is crucial for supporting the skull and facilitating head movement for vision. It also shields the spinal cord, which is the link between the brain and the rest of the body. Key terms like 'anterior' for the front of the neck and 'posterior' for the back are introduced. The spine, composed of 24 vertebrae, includes seven cervical vertebrae labeled from C1 to C7. The C1 vertebra, known as the Atlas, connects to the skull, and the C2 vertebra, or Axis, features a bony knob called the dens that allows for neck rotation. Each vertebra from C2 to C7 has a vertebral body and a bony ring formed by pedicles and lamina, creating a spinal canal to protect the spinal cord. The cervical spine has unique features like transverse foramina for blood supply to the brain and facet joints for flexibility. The structure is supported by ligaments and intervertebral discs that provide shock absorption and facilitate movement.

05:01

💪 Muscles, Ligaments, and Intervertebral Discs of the Cervical Spine

The cervical spine is enveloped by muscles that originate from the rib cage, collarbone, and extend to the vertebrae, jaw, and skull. Posterior cervical muscles cover the back of the spine, forming the bulk of the neck's tissues. Understanding the anatomy of the cervical spine is enhanced by examining a single spinal segment, which includes two vertebrae separated by an intervertebral disc and the nerves that exit between them. The intervertebral disc consists of a spongy nucleus pulposus for shock absorption and a surrounding annulus of strong ligamentous rings. The cervical spine's complexity is highlighted, emphasizing its role in movement and the potential for pain and dysfunction when issues arise. This knowledge can empower individuals to be more proactive in their healthcare and neck problem management.

Keywords

💡Cervical spine

The cervical spine refers to the upper part of the spinal column located in the neck. It is made up of seven vertebrae (C1 to C7), and it supports the skull while allowing head movement. In the video, the cervical spine is highlighted for its protective function of the spinal cord and its role in facilitating neck mobility.

💡Vertebrae

Vertebrae are the individual bones that make up the spine. There are 24 vertebrae in the human body, seven of which form the cervical spine. Each vertebra serves as a building block of the spinal column, providing structural support and forming a protective canal for the spinal cord.

💡Atlas (C1)

The atlas is the first cervical vertebra (C1) that supports the skull. It is responsible for the connection between the skull and the spine, allowing the head to move up and down. The video explains how the atlas forms a large opening to accommodate the spinal cord as it exits the brain.

💡Axis (C2)

The axis is the second cervical vertebra (C2), characterized by a bony projection called the dens. This structure allows the atlas and axis to work together to enable the head's rotation from side to side. In the video, it is described as a critical part of neck movement.

💡Spinal cord

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerve fibers that runs through the spinal column, connecting the brain to the rest of the body. The cervical spine protects the spinal cord, especially where it is thickest near the brain. The video emphasizes the spinal cord's role in transmitting signals between the brain and body.

💡Facet joints

Facet joints are small joints located between each vertebra, allowing for smooth movement of the spine. Covered with articular cartilage, these joints reduce friction and enable the neck to move in various directions. The video describes how these joints work together with intervertebral discs to provide flexibility.

💡Intervertebral disc

The intervertebral discs are cushion-like structures between the vertebrae that absorb shock and provide flexibility to the spine. Each disc has a spongy core called the nucleus pulposis, surrounded by strong rings called the annulus. The video explains the critical role these discs play in facilitating movement and reducing impact.

💡Transverse processes

Transverse processes are bony projections that extend from each vertebra to the sides. In the cervical vertebrae, these processes have openings through which arteries pass to supply blood to the brain. The video highlights these structures as vital components of the vertebrae's anatomy.

💡Spinous processes

Spinous processes are bony projections that extend posteriorly from the vertebrae. They can be felt when running fingers along the back of the spine. These processes provide points of attachment for muscles and ligaments, as described in the video.

💡Ligaments

Ligaments are strong connective tissues that attach bones to other bones, providing stability to the spine. Several ligaments run along the front and back of the vertebrae, as well as surrounding the facet joints. The video explains how ligaments maintain the structure of the cervical spine while allowing flexibility.

Highlights

The cervical spine supports the skull and allows head movement for vision.

The cervical spine protects the spinal cord, which connects the brain to the rest of the body.

Anterior refers to the front of the neck, and posterior refers to the back.

The human spine consists of 24 vertebrae, with seven making up the cervical spine (C1 to C7).

C1 vertebra connects to the skull, and the cervical spine curves slightly inward.

The base of the skull sits on top of C1, also known as the Atlas.

The Atlas has two large bony projections on each side and sits on the C2 vertebra, called the Axis.

The Axis features a bony knob called the dens, which allows for neck rotation.

Each cervical vertebra from C2 to C7 is composed of a vertebral body and a bony ring.

The vertebral bodies and rings form a hollow tube, the spinal canal, which surrounds the spinal cord.

Spinous processes are bony projections felt along the back of the spine.

Transverse processes in cervical vertebrae have an opening for blood supply to the brain.

Facet joints between vertebrae are covered by articular cartilage for smooth movement.

Neural foramina are openings for nerve roots to leave the spinal cord.

The spinal cord is composed of millions of nerve fibers branching into nerves.

Ligaments connect the vertebrae and provide stability to the cervical spine.

Intervertebral discs consist of a nucleus pulposis and annulus, providing shock absorption.

Cervical muscles cover the vertebrae and are crucial for neck movement and support.

Understanding the cervical spine's anatomy is key to recognizing neck pain and dysfunction.

Transcripts

the cervical spine has the important job

of supporting the skull and allowing us

to move our head to direct our vision

the cervical spine also protects the

spinal cord the connection between our

brain and the rest of our

body two common anatomic terms are

useful as they relate to the cervical

spine the term anterior refers to the

front of the neck the term posterior ior

refers to the back of the

neck the human spine is made up of 24

spinal Bones called vertebrae vertebrae

are stacked on top of one another to

form the spinal column the spinal column

is the body's main upright support seven

vertebra make up the cervical spine

often referred to as C1 to

C7 the top vertebrae C1 connects to the

bottom of the skull

the cervical spine curves slightly

Inward and ends where C7 joins the top

of the thoracic spine the base of the

skull sits on top of C1 also called The

Atlas two thick bony arches form a large

hole through the center of the atlas

this opening is large because the spinal

cord is wider where it first exits the

brain and skull the atlas has two

relatively large bony projections on

each side the atlas sits on top of the

C2 vertebra also called the axis the

axis has a large bony knob on top called

the dens the dens points up and fits

through a hole in the atlas this

specialized connection between the axis

and the atlas gives the neck most of its

ability to turn to the left and

right each vertebrae throughout the

spine is made of the same Parts the main

section of each cervical vertebrae from

C2 to C7 is formed by a round block of

bone called the vertebral body a bone

ring attaches to the back of the

vertebral body this ring is formed by

two pedicles that connect to the back of

the vertebral body and two lamina that

join the picles to complete the ring

when the vertebrae are stacked on top of

each other the bone Rings form a hollow

tube that surrounds the spinal cord the

inside of this holot tube is called the

spinal canal the bone rings provide a

protective roof over the spinal

cord a bony knob projects posteriorly at

the same point where the two lamina

bones joined together at the back of the

spine these projections called spinus

processes can be felt as you rub your

fingers up and down the back of your

spine each vertebrae in the spine has

two bony knobs that point out to the

side one on the left and one on the

right these bony projections are called

transverse processes

unlike the rest of the spine the

cervical vertebra have an opening that

passes down through each transverse

process this opening called the

transverse framan provides a passageway

for arteries that run up each side of

the neck to supply the back of the brain

with

blood between each pair of vertebrae are

two joints called facet joints the

surface of the facet joint is covered by

articular cartilage articular cartilage

is a smooth rough y material that covers

the ends of most joints it allows the

ends of the bones to move against each

other smoothly with minimal friction

these joints connect the vertebrae

together and slide against one another

to allow the neck to move in many

directions except for the very top of

the cervical spine each cervical

vertebrae has two facet joints on each

side the facet joints on top connect to

the vertebra above the ones below join

the vertebrae below

when the vertebras stack on top of one

another an opening is formed on each

side of the spine called a neural

foramin a nerve root leaves the spinal

cord through this opening one on the

left and one on the right the spinal

cord travels through the spinal canal

the holot tube of bone created by the

Stacked vertebrae the spinal cord is

made up of millions of nerve fibers two

large nerves called nerve Roots Branch

off the spinal cord at each level where

two vertebrae come together one on on

the left and one on the right these

nerve Roots Branch into the nerves that

travel into the upper extremities upper

body and to certain

organs ligaments are strong connective

tissues that attach bones to other bones

several long ligaments connect on the

front and back sections of the vertebrae

the anterior longitudinal ligament runs

lengthwise down the front of the

vertebral bodies the posterior

longitudinal ligament attaches on the

back of the vertebral bodies the

ligamentum flavum is a long elastic band

that connects to the front surface of

each of the lamina bones each set of

facet joints is also surrounded by a

joint capsule that is made up of

ligaments a special structure in the

spine called an intervertebral disc sits

between each pair of vertebrae an

intervertebral disc is made of two parts

in the center of each intervertebral

disc is a spongy material called the

nucleus pulposis the nucleus pulposis

provides most of the shock absorption in

the spine the nucleus is surrounded by

the annulus a series of strong

ligamentous rings that attach to the

vertebrae above and below the

intravertebral

dis the anterior cervical area is

covered with muscles that run from the

rib cage and collar bone to the cervical

vertebrae jaw and skull the posterior

cervical muscles cover the the bones

along the back of the spine and make up

the bulk of the tissues on the back of

the

neck a good way to understand the

anatomy of the cervical spine is by

looking at a single spinal segment a

spinal segment includes two vertebra

separated by an invertebral dis the

nerves that leave the spinal cord

between each pair of vertebrae and the

small facet joints that link each level

of the spinal column the intervertebral

disc separates the two vertebral bodies

of the spinal segment the facet joints

and invertebral disc work together to

allow bending and rotating of the

cervical spine the facet joints slide

while the disc works like a flexible

connection between the two

vertebrae it is probably quite clear

that the cervical spine is a complex

machine with an important job to do

understanding the structure and function

of the cervical spine can help you

better understand how problems in the

neck can cause pain and dysfunction

enabling you to become more involved in

your health care and better able to care

for your neck problem