Axis is the second vertebra of the spine and is also called C2 bone vertebra. It articulates with C1 or atlas vertebra above and C3 vertebra below. The axis is an atypical cervical vertebra like atlas and vertebra prominens or C7 vertebra. It forms a pivot for atlas to rotate providing greater range of motion […]
Basics
Atlas or First Cervical Vertebra [C1]
Atlas is the first cervical vertebra that sits just below the skull. It is also called C1 vertebra. Along with axis, the second vertebra and C7, it falls into the group of atypical cervical vertebrae. Atypical because these have unique features. Axis and C7 or vertebra prominens are discussed separately. Atlas is unique in its […]
Vertebra Prominens or Seventh Cervical Vertebra [C7]
Vertebra prominens is the common name for 7th cervical vertebra or C7, the largest and most inferior vertebra of the cervical region of the spine. It is named because it has a large spinous process that protrudes posteriorly and can be felt prominently on palpation. Vertebra prominens is easily recognized on palpation of the back of […]
Anatomy of Cauda Equina
The cauda equina is a structure within the lower end of the spinal column of most vertebrates, that consists of nerve roots and rootlets from above[from second lumbar to coccygeal nerve] which originate in the conus medullaris of the spinal cord. Cauda equina is named so because it resembles horse’s tail. In humans, the spinal […]
Typical and Atypical Thoracic Vertebra
The typical thoracic vertebrae are seven in number and atypical thoracic vertebra are five in number. Vertebra T2 to T8 are typical and rest of them are atypical. Both typical and atypical thoracic vertebrae are discussed. Typical Thoracic Vertebra body is heart shaped with roughly the same measurements from side to side and anteroposteiroly. On each […]
Dorsal Scapular Nerve Entrapment Syndrome
The dorsal scapular nerve entrapment is a relatively less common nerve entrapment that causes shoulder and arm pain. It is vulnerable during brachial plexus injections as the nerve passes through the middle scalene muscle. Dorsal scapular nerve entrapment is uncommon and therefore frequently underrecognized cause of pain in shoulder and neck area. The symptoms are […]
Spinal Accessory Nerve Anatomy and Significance
The spinal accessory nerve [ also called accessory nerve] is eleventh cranial nerve (CN XI) [see the controversy below] and is composed of two parts, the cranial part, and the spinal part. It has a purely somatic motor function, innervating the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. The sternocleidomastoid is a neck muscle that tilts and rotates […]
Long Thoracic Nerve Anatomy and Significance
The long thoracic nerve is a pure motor nerve that arises from anterior or ventral roots of C5, C6, and C7 and supplies serratus anterior muscle. Serratus anterior muscle is responsible for stabilization and protraction movement of the scapula. It is also called posterior thoracic nerve and the external respiratory nerve of Bell, after Sir Charles Bell who provided its first […]
Scapular Dyskinesis – Causes, Tests and Treatment
Scapular dyskinesis is a term that denotes loss of control of normal scapular motion, physiology or mechanics. It is also called sometimes as scapular dyskinesia but dyskinesis is said to be a better term as dyskinesia is applied to abnormal active movements mediated by neurological factors e.g. tardive dyskinesia. Dyskinesis is a finding in the examination […]
Normal Scapulohumeral Rhythm and Its Significance
Scapulohumeral rhythm is the interplay between the scapula and the humerus during motion of the shoulder. There is a definitive pattern of interaction of scapula and humerus when contributing to the motion of the shoulder. Scapulohumeral rhythm is also called glenohumeral rhythm. Optimal function of the shoulder is reliant on the coordinated movement of the […]