The document describes the joints of the head and neck. It discusses the atlanto-occipital joints between the occipital condyles and atlas, which allow for flexion, extension, and lateral flexion but not rotation. It also describes the atlanto-axial joints, which consist of three synovial joints that permit extensive rotation of the head on the axis. Various ligaments connecting these bones are outlined, including the apical ligament between the odontoid process and foramen magnum. Fractures of the odontoid process or pedicle of the axis from falls or automobile accidents are also mentioned.
2. Atlanto-Occipital Joints
Are synovial joints
Formed between the occipital condyles
above and the superior surfaces of the
lateral masses of the atlas below
Occipital condyles are found on either side
of the foramen magnum
3. Ligaments
Anterior atlanto-occipital membrane:
This is a continuation of the anterior longitudinal
ligament
It runs as a band down the anterior surface of
the vertebral column
The membrane connects the anterior arch of the
atlas to the anterior margin of the foramen
magnum
4.
5. Posterior Atlanto-occipital
Membrane
This membrane is similar to the ligamentum
flavum
It connects the posterior arch of the atlas to the
posterior margin of the foramen magnum
8. Atlanto-Axial Joints
They are three synovial joints
One is between the odontoid process and
the anterior arch of the atlas
Other two are between the lateral masses
of the bones
9.
10. Ligaments
Apical ligament:
This median placed structure connects the
apex of the odontoid process to the
anterior margin of the foramen magnum
11.
12. Ligaments
Alar ligaments:
These lie one on each side of the apical
ligament and connect the odontoid
process to the medial side of the occipital
condyles
13.
14. Ligaments
Cruciate ligament :
This ligament consists of a transverse part and a vertical
part
The transverse part is attached on each side to the inner
aspect of the lateral mass of the atlas
It binds the odontoid process to the anterior arch of the
atlas
The vertical part runs from the posterior surface of the
body of the axis to the anterior margin of the foramen
magnum
15.
16. Ligaments
Membrana tectoria
This is an upward continuation of the posterior
longitudinal ligament
Attached above to the occipital bone just within
the foramen magnum
It covers the posterior surface of the odontoid
process and the apical, alar, and cruciate
ligaments
19. Fracture of Odontoid Process
Fractures of odontoid process are
relatively common
Result from falls and blows on the head
Excessive mobility of the odontoid
fragment or rupture of the transverse
ligament can result in compression injury
to the spinal cord
20. Fracture of Pedicle of Axis
Cause is severe extension injury of the neck,
such as automobile accident or a fall
Sudden overextension of the neck, as produced
by the knot of a hangman’s rope beneath the
chin
Forward displacement of the vertebral body of
the axis occurs
Spinal cord is rarely compressed