• Bookmarks

    Bookmarks

  • Concepts

    Concepts

  • Activity

    Activity

  • Courses

    Courses


Head rotation is the movement of the head around its vertical axis, primarily facilitated by the cervical vertebrae and associated muscles. This motion is crucial for visual orientation, balance, and coordination, allowing humans and animals to track moving objects and maintain spatial awareness.
Cervical vertebrae are the seven vertebrae that form the uppermost part of the vertebral column, supporting the skull and enabling a wide range of head movements. They are uniquely characterized by smaller size, the presence of transverse foramina, and a bifid spinous process in most cases, distinguishing them from other vertebrae.
Muscle biomechanics is the study of the mechanical principles of muscle action and function, focusing on how muscles produce force, motion, and stability in the body. It integrates principles of physics, anatomy, and physiology to understand muscle dynamics and optimize performance and rehabilitation strategies.
The vestibular system is a sensory system located in the inner ear that is crucial for maintaining balance, posture, and spatial orientation by detecting head movements and position relative to gravity. It works in conjunction with the visual and Proprioceptive systems to ensure coordinated movements and stable vision during motion.
Proprioception is the body's ability to sense its position, movement, and action in space, allowing for coordinated and balanced movements without the need for visual cues. It is a crucial component of motor control and is mediated by sensory receptors located in muscles, tendons, and joints, which provide feedback to the brain about limb positioning and movement dynamics.
Concept
Kinematics is the branch of classical mechanics that describes the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause the motion. It focuses on parameters such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration to understand how objects move through space and time.
Neuromuscular control refers to the unconscious response of muscles to signals from the nervous system, enabling coordinated movement and stability. It is crucial for maintaining balance, preventing injuries, and enhancing athletic performance through the integration of sensory feedback and motor output.
Spatial awareness is the cognitive ability to recognize and understand the relationships between objects in space, including one's own position relative to other objects. It is crucial for everyday tasks such as navigation, object manipulation, and understanding spatial relationships in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional environments.
Balance and coordination are essential components of motor control, enabling individuals to maintain posture and perform complex movements with precision. These skills are developed through the integration of sensory inputs and motor outputs, relying on the central nervous system to process information and execute appropriate responses.
The atlas and axis are the first two cervical vertebrae of the spine, crucial for supporting the skull and enabling a wide range of head movements. The atlas (C1) allows nodding motions, while the axis (C2) provides the pivot needed for head rotation, thanks to its unique odontoid process or dens.
The atlantoaxial joint is a pivotal joint located between the first cervical vertebra (atlas) and the second cervical vertebra (axis), allowing for the majority of head rotation. Its stability is primarily maintained by the transverse ligament of the atlas, and it is crucial for neck mobility and alignment.
Concept
The Axis (C2) is the second cervical vertebra, which plays a crucial role in the rotation of the head due to its unique structure featuring the odontoid process, or dens. This vertebra, along with the Atlas (C1), forms the atlanto-axial joint, allowing for pivotal head movements and providing stability to the cervical spine.
3