Atlantooccipital joint anatomy test

1. What type of joint by the shape of the articular surfaces is the atlantooccipital joint?

• Ball-and-socket

  The atlantooccipital joint is condylar (ellipsoid), formed by the occipital condyles and the superior articular pits of the atlas.

• Ellipsoid (condylar)

  The atlantooccipital joint is condylar (ellipsoid), formed by the occipital condyles and the superior articular pits of the atlas.

• Cylinder-shaped

  The atlantooccipital joint is condylar (ellipsoid), formed by the occipital condyles and the superior articular pits of the atlas.

• Flat

  The atlantooccipital joint is condylar (ellipsoid), formed by the occipital condyles and the superior articular pits of the atlas.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The atlantooccipital joint is condylar (ellipsoid), formed by the occipital condyles and the superior articular pits of the atlas.

2. What anatomical structures form the articular surfaces of the atlantooccipital joint?

• Occipital condyles and superior articular pits of the atlas

  The joint is formed by the articular surfaces of the occipital condyles and the superior articular pits of the first cervical vertebra.

• Mandible and temporal bone

  The joint is formed by the articular surfaces of the occipital condyles and the superior articular pits of the first cervical vertebra.

• Dens of the axis and anterior arch of the atlas

  The joint is formed by the articular surfaces of the occipital condyles and the superior articular pits of the first cervical vertebra.

• Spinous processes of cervical vertebrae

  The joint is formed by the articular surfaces of the occipital condyles and the superior articular pits of the first cervical vertebra.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The joint is formed by the articular surfaces of the occipital condyles and the superior articular pits of the first cervical vertebra.

3. Which ligament (membrane) is analogous to the ligamenta flava in the atlantooccipital joint?

• Anterior longitudinal ligament

  The posterior atlantooccipital membrane stretches between the posterior edge of the foramen magnum and the posterior arch of the atlas, analogous to the ligamenta flava. flava.

• Cruciform ligament of the atlas

  The posterior atlantooccipital membrane stretches between the posterior edge of the foramen magnum and the posterior arch of the atlas, analogous to the ligamenta flava. flava.

• Alar ligament.

  The posterior atlantooccipital membrane stretches between the posterior edge of the foramen magnum and the posterior arch of the atlas, analogous to the ligamenta flava. flava.

• Posterior atlantooccipital membrane

  The posterior atlantooccipital membrane stretches between the posterior edge of the foramen magnum and the posterior arch of the atlas, analogous to the ligamenta flava. flava.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The posterior atlantooccipital membrane stretches between the posterior edge of the foramen magnum and the posterior arch of the atlas, analogous to the ligamenta flava. flava.

4. Which muscle flexes the head (flexion) at the atlantooccipital joint during bilateral contraction?

• Rectus posterior major capitis muscle

  The rectus capitis anterior (m. rectus capitis anterior) flexes the head during bilateral contraction.

• Splenius capitis muscle

  The rectus capitis anterior (m. rectus capitis anterior) flexes the head during bilateral contraction.

• Anterior rectus capitis muscle

  The rectus capitis anterior (m. rectus capitis anterior) flexes the head during bilateral contraction.

• Inferior oblique muscle of the head

  The rectus capitis anterior (m. rectus capitis anterior) flexes the head during bilateral contraction.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The rectus capitis anterior (m. rectus capitis anterior) flexes the head during bilateral contraction.

5. Which movement is IMPOSSIBLE at the atlantooccipital joint?

• Flexion of the head

  Rotation of the head primarily occurs in the median atlantoaxial joint; rotation is impossible in the atlantooccipital joint.

• Rotation (ротация) of the head

  Rotation of the head primarily occurs in the median atlantoaxial joint; rotation is impossible in the atlantooccipital joint.

• Head extension

  Rotation of the head primarily occurs in the median atlantoaxial joint; rotation is impossible in the atlantooccipital joint.

• Lateral tilt of the head

  Rotation of the head primarily occurs in the median atlantoaxial joint; rotation is impossible in the atlantooccipital joint.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Rotation of the head primarily occurs in the median atlantoaxial joint; rotation is impossible in the atlantooccipital joint.

6. Which artery's pool mainly supplies blood to the atlantooccipital joint?

• Vertebral artery

  The joint is supplied by branches of the vertebral artery (a. vertebralis) and occipital artery.

• Internal carotid artery

  The joint is supplied by branches of the vertebral artery (a. vertebralis) and occipital artery.

• Facial artery

  The joint is supplied by branches of the vertebral artery (a. vertebralis) and occipital artery.

• Maxillary artery

  The joint is supplied by branches of the vertebral artery (a. vertebralis) and occipital artery.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The joint is supplied by branches of the vertebral artery (a. vertebralis) and occipital artery.

7. What anatomical structure penetrates the posterior atlantooccipital membrane?

• Occipital artery

  The vertebral artery and suboccipital nerve pass through an opening in the lateral part of the posterior atlantooccipital membrane.

• Internal jugular vein

  The vertebral artery and suboccipital nerve pass through an opening in the lateral part of the posterior atlantooccipital membrane.

• Vertebral artery and suboccipital nerve

  The vertebral artery and suboccipital nerve pass through an opening in the lateral part of the posterior atlantooccipital membrane.

• Greater occipital nerve

  The vertebral artery and suboccipital nerve pass through an opening in the lateral part of the posterior atlantooccipital membrane.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The vertebral artery and suboccipital nerve pass through an opening in the lateral part of the posterior atlantooccipital membrane.

8. Which nerve innervates the muscles of the suboccipital group acting on the atlantooccipital joint?

• Greater occipital nerve

  The suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis), the posterior branch of the first spinal nerve, innervates these muscles.

• Lesser occipital nerve

  The suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis), the posterior branch of the first spinal nerve, innervates these muscles.

• Accessory nerve

  The suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis), the posterior branch of the first spinal nerve, innervates these muscles.

• Suboccipital nerve (dorsal branch C1)

  The suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis), the posterior branch of the first spinal nerve, innervates these muscles.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis), the posterior branch of the first spinal nerve, innervates these muscles.

9. Where does the lateral rectus capitis muscle attach, facilitating a lateral tilt in the joint?

• To the mastoid process of the temporal bone

  The rectus capitis lateralis (m. rectus capitis lateralis) originates from the transverse process of the atlas and attaches to the jugular process of the occipital bone.

• To the jugular process of the occipital bone

  The rectus capitis lateralis (m. rectus capitis lateralis) originates from the transverse process of the atlas and attaches to the jugular process of the occipital bone.

• To the external occipital protuberance

  The rectus capitis lateralis (m. rectus capitis lateralis) originates from the transverse process of the atlas and attaches to the jugular process of the occipital bone.

• To the nuchal ligament

  The rectus capitis lateralis (m. rectus capitis lateralis) originates from the transverse process of the atlas and attaches to the jugular process of the occipital bone.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The rectus capitis lateralis (m. rectus capitis lateralis) originates from the transverse process of the atlas and attaches to the jugular process of the occipital bone.

10. What structure forms the superior medial border of the suboccipital triangle?

• Inferior oblique muscle of the head

  The superior medial border of the suboccipital triangle is formed by the rectus capitis posterior major. rectus capitis posterior major.

• Rectus posterior major capitis muscle

  The superior medial border of the suboccipital triangle is formed by the rectus capitis posterior major. rectus capitis posterior major.

• Obliquus superior capitis muscle

  The superior medial border of the suboccipital triangle is formed by the rectus capitis posterior major. rectus capitis posterior major.

• Longissimus capitis muscle

  The superior medial border of the suboccipital triangle is formed by the rectus capitis posterior major. rectus capitis posterior major.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The superior medial border of the suboccipital triangle is formed by the rectus capitis posterior major. rectus capitis posterior major.

11. Innervation of the atlantooccipital joint capsule is primarily provided by branches of:

• Trigeminal nerve.

  The joint capsule is innervated by the anterior branch of the spinal nerve C1 (n. cervicalis I).

• Anterior branch of the first cervical spinal nerve

  The joint capsule is innervated by the anterior branch of the spinal nerve C1 (n. cervicalis I).

• Vagus nerve.

  The joint capsule is innervated by the anterior branch of the spinal nerve C1 (n. cervicalis I).

• Sympathetic trunk

  The joint capsule is innervated by the anterior branch of the spinal nerve C1 (n. cervicalis I).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The joint capsule is innervated by the anterior branch of the spinal nerve C1 (n. cervicalis I).

12. Which venous structure directly receives blood from the atlantooccipital joint area?

• Cavernous sinus

  Venous drainage from the joint and surrounding muscles is conducted to the vertebral venous plexuses (plexus venosi vertebrales).

• Internal jugular vein

  Venous drainage from the joint and surrounding muscles is conducted to the vertebral venous plexuses (plexus venosi vertebrales).

• Vertebral venous plexus

  Venous drainage from the joint and surrounding muscles is conducted to the vertebral venous plexuses (plexus venosi vertebrales).

• Facial vein

  Venous drainage from the joint and surrounding muscles is conducted to the vertebral venous plexuses (plexus venosi vertebrales).

• I find it difficult to answer

  Venous drainage from the joint and surrounding muscles is conducted to the vertebral venous plexuses (plexus venosi vertebrales).

13. Which of the listed muscles does NOT participate in extending the head at the atlantooccipital joint?

• Obliquus superior capitis muscle

  The anterior rectus capitis muscle is a flexor, whereas the other listed muscles extend the head.

• Rectus posterior minor capitis muscle

  The anterior rectus capitis muscle is a flexor, whereas the other listed muscles extend the head.

• Rectus posterior major capitis muscle

  The anterior rectus capitis muscle is a flexor, whereas the other listed muscles extend the head.

• Anterior rectus capitis muscle

  The anterior rectus capitis muscle is a flexor, whereas the other listed muscles extend the head.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The anterior rectus capitis muscle is a flexor, whereas the other listed muscles extend the head.

14. To which part of the occipital bone does the anterior atlantooccipital membrane attach?

• Basilar part

  The anterior atlantooccipital membrane stretches between the anterior arch of the atlas and the basilar part of the occipital bone.

• Squamous part of the occipital bone

  The anterior atlantooccipital membrane stretches between the anterior arch of the atlas and the basilar part of the occipital bone.

• Jugular process

  The anterior atlantooccipital membrane stretches between the anterior arch of the atlas and the basilar part of the occipital bone.

• Occipital condyle

  The anterior atlantooccipital membrane stretches between the anterior arch of the atlas and the basilar part of the occipital bone.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The anterior atlantooccipital membrane stretches between the anterior arch of the atlas and the basilar part of the occipital bone.

15. In which groove does the vertebral artery pass directly before penetrating the posterior atlantooccipital membrane?

• Groove for transverse sinus

  The vertebral artery lies in the sulcus arteriae vertebralis on the superior surface of the posterior arch of the atlas.

• Groove for sigmoid sinus

  The vertebral artery lies in the sulcus arteriae vertebralis on the superior surface of the posterior arch of the atlas.

• Groove for vertebral artery on the atlas

  The vertebral artery lies in the sulcus arteriae vertebralis on the superior surface of the posterior arch of the atlas.

• Groove for inferior petrosal sinus

  The vertebral artery lies in the sulcus arteriae vertebralis on the superior surface of the posterior arch of the atlas.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The vertebral artery lies in the sulcus arteriae vertebralis on the superior surface of the posterior arch of the atlas.

16. Which nerve exits between the occipital bone and atlas in the region of the vertebral artery?

• Lesser occipital nerve

  The suboccipital nerve (C1) exits the vertebral canal between the occipital bone and the atlas, passing under the vertebral artery.

• Suboccipital nerve (C1).

  The suboccipital nerve (C1) exits the vertebral canal between the occipital bone and the atlas, passing under the vertebral artery.

• Greater occipital nerve (C2).

  The suboccipital nerve (C1) exits the vertebral canal between the occipital bone and the atlas, passing under the vertebral artery.

• Third occipital nerve (C3)

  The suboccipital nerve (C1) exits the vertebral canal between the occipital bone and the atlas, passing under the vertebral artery.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The suboccipital nerve (C1) exits the vertebral canal between the occipital bone and the atlas, passing under the vertebral artery.

17. Which muscle forms the lateral boundary of the suboccipital triangle?

• Obliquus superior capitis muscle

  The lateral boundary of the trigonum suboccipitale is formed by the superior oblique muscle of the head (m. obliquus capitis superior).

• Inferior oblique muscle of the head

  The lateral boundary of the trigonum suboccipitale is formed by the superior oblique muscle of the head (m. obliquus capitis superior).

• Splenius colli muscle.

  The lateral boundary of the trigonum suboccipitale is formed by the superior oblique muscle of the head (m. obliquus capitis superior).

• Sternocleidomastoid muscle

  The lateral boundary of the trigonum suboccipitale is formed by the superior oblique muscle of the head (m. obliquus capitis superior).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The lateral boundary of the trigonum suboccipitale is formed by the superior oblique muscle of the head (m. obliquus capitis superior).

18. Which statement is true regarding the small posterior rectus capitis muscle?

• It attaches to the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone

  The rectus capitis posterior minor (m. rectus capitis posterior minor) originates from the posterior tubercle of the atlas and attaches to the medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone.

• It originates from the spinous process of the axis

  The rectus capitis posterior minor (m. rectus capitis posterior minor) originates from the posterior tubercle of the atlas and attaches to the medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone.

• It rotates the head to the opposite side

  The rectus capitis posterior minor (m. rectus capitis posterior minor) originates from the posterior tubercle of the atlas and attaches to the medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone.

• It is innervated by the vagus nerve

  The rectus capitis posterior minor (m. rectus capitis posterior minor) originates from the posterior tubercle of the atlas and attaches to the medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The rectus capitis posterior minor (m. rectus capitis posterior minor) originates from the posterior tubercle of the atlas and attaches to the medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone.

19. Which artery, alongside the vertebral artery, participates in supplying blood to the structures of the suboccipital region?

• Ascending pharyngeal artery

  The occipital artery (a. occipitalis), a branch of the external carotid artery, gives off a descending branch supplying the suboccipital muscles.

• Occipital artery

  The occipital artery (a. occipitalis), a branch of the external carotid artery, gives off a descending branch supplying the suboccipital muscles.

• Superficial temporal artery

  The occipital artery (a. occipitalis), a branch of the external carotid artery, gives off a descending branch supplying the suboccipital muscles.

• Posterior auricular artery

  The occipital artery (a. occipitalis), a branch of the external carotid artery, gives off a descending branch supplying the suboccipital muscles.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The occipital artery (a. occipitalis), a branch of the external carotid artery, gives off a descending branch supplying the suboccipital muscles.

20. Which ligament limits excessive lateral flexion in the atlantooccipital joint?

• Alar ligament.

  The lateral atlantooccipital ligament (lig. atlantooccipitale laterale) stretches between the transverse process of the atlas and the jugular process of the occipital bone, stabilizing the joint.

• Posterior longitudinal ligament

  The lateral atlantooccipital ligament (lig. atlantooccipitale laterale) stretches between the transverse process of the atlas and the jugular process of the occipital bone, stabilizing the joint.

• Lateral atlantooccipital ligament

  The lateral atlantooccipital ligament (lig. atlantooccipitale laterale) stretches between the transverse process of the atlas and the jugular process of the occipital bone, stabilizing the joint.

• Transverse ligament of atlas.

  The lateral atlantooccipital ligament (lig. atlantooccipitale laterale) stretches between the transverse process of the atlas and the jugular process of the occipital bone, stabilizing the joint.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The lateral atlantooccipital ligament (lig. atlantooccipitale laterale) stretches between the transverse process of the atlas and the jugular process of the occipital bone, stabilizing the joint.