Posterior cervical region and suboccipital muscles dissected from behind

Intervertebral joints opened; ligamenta flava

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Image #217-1

Posterior cervical region and suboccipital muscles dissected from behind

Intervertebral joints opened; ligamenta flava

The arches of the third, fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae have been divided. The cavities of the superior and inferior (12) intervertebral joints of the third cervical vertebra have been opened.

1. Superior oblique capitis muscle (cut across)
2. Major posterior rectus capitis muscle (cut across)
3. Condylar emissary vein
4. Atlanto-occipital joint capsule
5. Vertebral artery and vein
6. Posterior arch of atlas
7. Transverse process of of atlas
8. Styloid process
9. Ventral branch of cervical nerve II (note relation to vertebral artery)
10. Greater occipital nerve
11. Arch of axis
12. Articular cavity
13. Joint capsule
14. Middle scalene muscle
15. Minor posterior rectus capitis muscle (cut across)
16. Border of foramen magnum
17. Dura mater
18. Upper pointer: Posterior tubercle of atlas Lower pointer: Ligamentum flavum
19. Spinous process axis
20. Cut margins of arch of vertebra C. III (resected)
21. Upper pointer: Ligamentum flavum Lower pointer: Interspinalis cervicis muscle
22. Dura mater spinalis (epidural space absent at this level)