The intervertebral discs make up one fourth of the spinal column's length. There are no discs between the Atlas (C1), Axis (C2), and Coccyx. Discs are not vascular and therefore depend on the end plates to diffuse needed nutrients. The cartilaginous layers of the end plates anchor the discs in place.
Full Answer
What is the joint between the C1 and C2 vertebrae?
The joint between the C1 and C2 vertebrae is called the atlantoaxial joint. Unlike other vertebral joints, the atlantoaxial joint does not have an intervertebral disc. This joint is secured by a thick, strong ligament called the transverse ligament.
Why are the C1&C2 vertebral levels important?
These levels are especially important, as they support the head. The Atlas vertebra pivots on the Axis vertebra which allows the head to rotate. Injuries to the spinal cord at the C1 & C2 vertebral levels are considered to be the most severe of all spinal cord injuries as they can lead to full paralysis but are most often fatal.
Why are intervertebral discs not vascular?
Intervertebral Discs. Discs are not vascular and therefore depend on the end plates to diffuse needed nutrients. The cartilaginous layers of the end plates anchor the discs in place. The intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous cushions serving as the spine's shock absorbing system, which protect the vertebrae, brain, and other structures (i.e.
What is C1 and C2 spinal cord injury?
C1 & C2 Spinal Injuries. Injuries to the first cervical levels of the spine are considered to be the most severe of all spinal cord injuries. The C1 vertebra, also known as Atlas, along with the C2 vertebra, also known as Axis, are the first two segments in the cervical spine.
Why is there no disc between C1 and C2?
Answer and Explanation: C1 and C2 are very specialized vertebrae hence why they don't have an intervertebral disc. C1 is known as atlas and C2 is known as axis and together, these bones make a pivot joint.
Do C1 and C2 have discs?
The joint between the C1 and C2 vertebrae is called the atlantoaxial joint. Unlike other vertebral joints, the atlantoaxial joint does not have an intervertebral disc. This joint is secured by a thick, strong ligament called the transverse ligament. C2 spinal nerve.
How does the structure and function of C1 and C2 differ from that of other vertebrae?
C1 and C2 are the very first two vertebrae of our vertebral column. They are cervical vertebrae. C1 holds the head upright while C2 encases the brain stem and it allows most of the head motions. Both C1 and C2 are unique, and they are specialized vertebrae located in the neck region.
How many intervertebral discs are there in the spinal column?
23 discsIt is a cushion of fibrocartilage and the principal joint between two vertebrae in the spinal column. There are 23 discs in the human spine: 6 in the cervical region (neck), 12 in the thoracic region (middle back), and 5 in the lumbar region (lower back).
What happens when C1 and C2 are fused together?
Here the C1-C2 joint is responsible for half of all of the rotation of the head on the neck, so fusing it dramatically increases force both on the C0-C1 and C2-C3 joints above and below. Meaning that over time, you can expect these levels to break down in most patients.
What are C1 and C2 vertebrae called?
The first 2, C1 and C2, are highly specialized and are given unique names: atlas and axis, respectively. C3-C7 are more classic vertebrae, having a body, pedicles, laminae, spinous processes, and facet joints.
What is the difference between the axis C2 and atlas C1 vertebrae?
The main difference between atlas and axis vertebrae is that atlas is the first cervical vertebra, which supports the skull whereas axis is the second cervical vertebra, which forms the pivot upon the atlas. Furthermore, atlas help to hold the head upright while axis allows the head to turn side to side.
What happens when C1 and C2 are out of alignment?
If the C1 or C2 vertebra is out of place, they can be placing undue pressure on the brainstem, causing it to send improper signals to the brain. The brain may think the body is in motion when it is not actually moving, leading to the symptoms of vertigo.
Why is C2 atypical?
C1 and C2 are considered atypical vertebrae because they have some distinguishing features compared to the rest of the cervical spine. The two vertebrae just below the skull are C1 (the atlas) and C2 (the axis).
Which vertebrae are not separated by intervertebral discs?
The intervertebral discs make up one fourth of the spinal column's length. There are no discs between the Atlas (C1), Axis (C2), and Coccyx.
What are the 2 parts of the intervertebral discs?
Movement at a single disc level is limited, but all of the vertebrae and discs combined allow for a significant range of motion. The intervertebral disc is made up of two components: the annulus fibrosus and thenucleus pulposus.
Where are intervertebral discs typically found?
vertebral columnAn intervertebral disc (or intervertebral fibrocartilage) lies between adjacent vertebrae in the vertebral column. Each disc forms a fibrocartilaginous joint (a symphysis), to allow slight movement of the vertebrae, to act as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together, and to function as a shock absorber for the spine.
What happens when C1 and C2 are out of alignment?
If the C1 or C2 vertebra is out of place, they can be placing undue pressure on the brainstem, causing it to send improper signals to the brain. The brain may think the body is in motion when it is not actually moving, leading to the symptoms of vertigo.
Do you have discs in your neck?
Cervical Discs: Your Natural Shock Absorbers The cervical spine in your neck is made up of seven bones called vertebrae, which are separated by discs filled with a cushioning gel-like substance. Your cervical discs both stabilize your neck and allow it to turn smoothly from side to side and bend forward to back.
What happens if you break your C1?
Complications in the management of C1 fractures range from minor discomfort to death. The primary concern with C1 fractures is establishing and maintaining cervical stability. Atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial instability threatens the brainstem and spinal cord, potentially causing myelopathy and even mortality.
What happens if you break your C2 vertebrae?
Common C2 Injury Symptoms Symptoms of a Hangman's fracture will depend on the severity of the break or crack. In the most severe cases, the victim may suffer complete paralysis of the arms and legs, muscle atrophy, incontinence, the inability to speak, and/or trouble breathing without help.
What causes a fracture of the C1 vertebrae?
Fractures may result from diving in shallow water, falling, motor vehicle accidents, 1 and/or hitting an obstacle with the forehead or chin. 2 Trauma to C1-C2 may also cause whiplash injury, spondylolisthesis, nerve injury, and/or spinal cord injury.
What is the treatment for C1-C2 vertebrae?
Treatment of the C1-C2 vertebrae and spinal segment includes nonsurgical and surgical methods.
What is the C1 and C2?
The C1 and C2 vertebrae are the first two vertebrae at the top of the cervical spine. Together they form the atlantoaxial joint, which is a pivot joint. The C1 sits atop and rotates around C2 below. More of the head’s rotational range of motion comes from C1-C2 than any other cervical joint. 1. Spinal Motion Segment: C1-C2 (Atlantoaxial Joint) ...
Which vertebrae are responsible for the spinal cord?
See Cervical Spinal Nerves. The spinal cord is protected by the C1-C2 vertebrae in the upper cervical area. These vertebrae have several small and large foramens. The spinal cord passes through the large, centrally placed vertebral foramen. The smaller foramens facilitate the passage of blood vessels around the spine.
Where does the C2 nerve exit?
At the atlantoaxial joint, the C2 spinal nerve exits the spinal cord through a small bony hole or foramen above the C2, called the intervertebral foramen. This nerve has a sensory root and a motor root. The C2 dermatome is an area of skin that receives sensations through the C2 nerve.
Why is C1-C2 painful?
While C1-C2 is relatively sturdy and resistant to injury, it can become quite painful and problematic due to trauma or degenerative conditions. These problems may also affect the spinal nerves, vertebral artery, and/or the spinal cord at the at the C2 level. See Cervical Spine Anatomy.
What is crowned dens syndrome?
Crowned dens syndrome results from the deposition of calcium on the dens of C2 from the surrounding ligaments, causing pain and reduced mobility of the neck. Read Neck Pain from Crowned Dens Syndrome
What are the intervertebral discs?
The intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous cushions serving as the spin e's shock absorbing system , which protect the vertebrae, brain, and other structures (i.e. nerves). The discs allow some vertebral motion: extension and flexion.
What are the two parts of the intervertebral disc?
Annulus Fibrosus and Nucleus Pulposus. Intervertebral discs are composed of an annulus fibrosus and a nucleus pulposus. Intervertebral discs are composed of an annulus fibrosus and a nucleus pulposus. Photo Courtesy of: SpineUniverse.com.
What is the annulus fibrosus?
The annulus fibrosus is a strong radial tire–like structure made up of lamellae; concentric sheets of collagen fibers connected to the vertebral end plates. The sheets are orientated at various angles. The annulus fibrosus encloses the nucleus pulposus. Although both the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus are composed of water, collagen, ...
What part of the spinal column is the intervertebral disc?
The intervertebral discs make up one fourth of the spinal column's length. There are no discs between the Atlas (C1), Axis (C2), and Coccyx. Discs are not vascular and therefore depend on the end plates to diffuse needed nutrients. The cartilaginous layers of the end plates anchor the discs in place.
What is the nucleus pulposus made of?
Although both the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus are composed of water, collagen, and proteoglycans (PGs), the amount of fluid (water and PGs) is greatest in the nucleus pulposus. PG molecules are important because they attract and retain water.
What is a C1 C2 vertebrae injury?
C1-C2 Vertebrae Injuries: Breaks, Fractures and Misalignments. Since these vertebrae are so high up on the spinal cord, a C1 through C2 vertebrae injury is considered the most severe. Injuries here have the potential to remove impulses to the rest of the body below that point. Due to their position on the spinal column, ...
What is the C1 vertebrae?
The C1 and C2 vertebrae are the first two segments in the cervical spine. These levels of the spinal column are especially important due to their location and functions. A C1 through C2 vertebrae injury is considered to be the most severe of all spinal cord injuries as it can lead to full paralysis—but is most often fatal.
What happens if you have a C1 vertebrae?
Due to their position on the spinal column, having a C1 or C2 vertebrae out of place, or an injury such as a spinal fracture, most often either leads to death or complete paralyzation. In addition to the injury, any interference at the C1 and/or C2 level can cause the vertebral arteries to inflict neurological damage, ...
Why are cervical vertebrae so severe?
Types of spinal cord injury to the cervical vertebrae are so severe because the higher the injury on the spinal cord, the more damage and loss of function the individual will experience . Since the C1 and C2 vertebrae are the most high up, they are very important for supporting the skull, allowing for the head to rotate, ...
Why is the C1 axis referred to as the C2 axis?
While the C1 Atlas vertebra is named after the Greek titan who supported the weight of the world in myth, the C2 axis vertebra is labelled because of its purpose of motion: the atlas vertebra pivots on the axis vertebra, which allows the head to rotate. The C1 and C2 vertebrae are also responsible for allowing the head to rotate ...
What is the purpose of surgery to fuse the spinal cord?
Surgery to relieve pressure from the spinal cord and fuse the affected segments together to prevent movement (movement could lead to further damage to the spinal cord).
How to help spinal cord injury patients?
The use of stem cells has shown promising results in regenerating function lost due to this debilitating injury. Injecting these cells into the injured spinal cord may improve overall function and aid in the recovery of the spinal cord. Although this research is still in its infancy, human patient studies have reported improved walking and sensory perception.
Anatomy of The C1-C2 Vertebrae and Spinal Segment
Common Problems at C1-C2
- Problems at the C1-C2 vertebral levels may affect the vertebrae, the C2 spinal nerve, and/or the spinal cord. A few examples of problems at this cervical level include: 1. Arthritis. Arthritis in the C1-C2 joint is common in many of the systemic arthritic syndromes such as rheumatoid arthritis or other spondyloarthropathies (spinal arthritis syndro...
Common Symptoms and Signs Stemming from C1-C2
- Vertebral pain at C1-C2 can range anywhere from a dull ache to a sharp, burning pain in the neck. C1-C2 pain may either last for a short while or become chronic. If a C2 nerve root becomes inflamed or injured, additional symptoms may include: 1. Radiating pain up to the back and/or top of the head 2. Pain in the temple and/or behind the eyes and/or ears 3. Neck-tongue syndrome r…