What does C1 and C2 nerves control?

What does C1 and C2 nerves control?

C1, C2, and C3 (the first three cervical nerves) help control the head and neck, including movements forward, backward, and to the sides. The C2 dermatome handles sensation for the upper part of the head, and the C3 dermatome covers the side of the face and back of the head. (C1 does not have a dermatome.)

What is the function of the C1 vertebrae?

The atypical vertebrae are cervical level one and two (C1 and C2). Cervical one is also called the atlas, as it supports the weight of your skull. Cervical two is called the axis, as it is the one essential for allowing rotation to occur in the cervical spine.

What makes C1 and C2 special?

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. C1 and C2 form a unique set of articulations that provide a great degree of mobility for the skull.

What happens when your C1 is out of place?

In addition to the initial vertebral injury, the interference at the C1 and/or C2 level can cause the vertebral arteries to inflict neurological damage; leaving the brain without a vital source of blood. Symptoms following an injury to the cervical vertebrae C1 and C2 may include: Complete paralysis of arms and legs.

What is the difference between C1 and C2 vertebrae?

The C1 vertebra, also called atlas, is shaped like a ring. The C2 vertebra has an upward-facing long bony process called the dens. The dens forms a joint with the C1 vertebra and facilitates its turning motions, thereby allowing the head to turn in different directions.

What is the function of the C2 vertebrae?

C2: Also known as the axis, it creates a pivot that allows C1 to rotate, thus giving the head greater range of motion. C7: The last of the cervical vertebrae, C7 has an extra-long spinous process. This is one of the bones that protrude through the skin at the back of the neck.

How does the structure and function of C1 and C2 differ from that of other vertebrae?

C1 and C2 vertebrae. The C1 vertebra, also called atlas, is shaped like a ring. The C2 vertebra has an upward-facing long bony process called the dens. The dens forms a joint with the C1 vertebra and facilitates its turning motions, thereby allowing the head to turn in different directions.

What happens when C1 is out of alignment?

Radiating pain up to the back and/or top of the head. Pain in the temple and/or behind the eyes and/or ears. Neck-tongue syndrome resulting in neck and/or head pain with numbness or abnormal sensation on one side of the tongue. Sensitivity to light.

What causes C1 and C2 misalignment?

A misalignment at C0-C1-C2 can also come from sitting at a desk with poor posture, birth trauma, or falling out of a tree when you are a child. However, the most common way we see large trauma produced is from a concussion from either sports or work related injuries, or a car accident.

Can C1 and C2 cause headaches?

C1, C2 and/or C3 may be involved in development of cervicogenic headaches because these nerves enable function (movement) and sensation of the head and neck. Nerve compression can cause inflammation and pain.

How can you tell the difference between C1 and C2?

What is the Difference Between C1 and C2? C1 is the topmost vertebra that holds the skull while the C2 is the second topmost vertebra that provides an axis to rotate skull and C1 when the head moves side to side. Therefore, this is the key difference between C1 and C2.

What is the difference between the C1 and C2 vertebrae?

The key difference between C1 and C2 is that the C1 or the atlas vertebra is the most superior vertebra of the human vertebral column while the C2 or the axis vertebra is the second topmost vertebra of the human vertebral column.

What nerves are affected by C1 and C2?

What nerves are affected by c1 and c2? Geniohyoid muscle- through Hypoglossal nerve. Rectus capitis anterior muscle. Longus capitis muscle (partly) Rectus capitis lateralis muscle. Splenius cervicis muscle (partly) Rectus capitis posterior major muscle. levator scapulae muscle (partly) Thyrohyoid

Why is there no intervertebral disc between C1 and C2?

There is not an intervertebral disc between C1 and C2 because they are very specialized. C1 and C2 are known as the atlas and the axis. The atlas allows the head to move forward and backward, by use of the odontoid process, and the axis allows the head to move from side topside, by the use of a pivot joint.

What are the characteristics of C1 and C2?

C1 and C2 are cervical vertebrae located in the neck region immediately below the skull.