Cervical vertebra, and Surface anatomy of the neck

1- Cervical vertebra, and Surface anatomy of the neck

Objectives
By the end of this lab students are expected to
1. understand the structure of typical and atypical cervical vertebra
2. Be able to differentiate between typical, first, second and seventh cervical vertebrae
3. Discuss the different course of the vertebral vessels
4. Be able to identify and count each vertebra in an X-ray
5. Be able to Discuss the major surface landmarks on the front, sides, and back of neck
6. Be able to relate surface landmarks to underlying neck structures


A- Cervical vertebra
>> Typical cervical vertebra
1. body
2. spine
3. pedicles
4. laminae
5. vertebral foramen
6. superior and inferior articular processes
7. foramen transversarium

>> Atypical cervical vertebra
1st cervical vertebra (atlas)
1. anterior and posterior arches
2. lateral mass on both sides with upper and lower articular surfaces
3. No body or spines

2nd cervical vertebra (axis)
1. odontoid process (dens)

7th cervical vertebra (prominens)
1. spinous process longest, not bifid.
2. transverse process large,
3. foramen transversarium is small

B- Surface anatomy of the neck

>> Anterior Aspect
1. Symphysis menti
2. Body of the mandible
3. Body of the hyoid bone
4. Upper border of the thyroid cartilage
5. Cricoid cartilage
6. First ring of the trachea
7. Isthmus of the thyroid gland
8. Inferior thyroid veins
9. Thyroidea ima artery
10. Jugular arch
11. Suprasternal notch

>> Posterior Aspect
1. external occipital protuberance
2. nuchal groove
3. 7th cervical vertebra (vertebra prominens)

>> Lateral Aspect
1. clavicles
2. Sternocleidomastoid Muscle
3. Trapezius Muscle
4. Posterior triangle
5. Anterior triangle