When using the three-finger palpation trick for static palpation of the upper spine, the index finger is placed on which landmark?

When using the three-finger palpation trick for static palpation of the upper spine, the index finger is placed on which landmark?

• A. occipital bone
• B. mastoid process
• C. atlas transverse process
• D. axis transverse process

Answer: (B)

Locating the upper cervical spine starts with a clear, palpable reference point. In this three-finger palpation trick, that reference is the mastoid process—the prominent bump behind the ear. Placing the index finger on the mastoid gives a reliable, easy-to-find landmark that anchors your palpation region and helps you orient toward the atlas (C1) area. The other landmarks are either less accessible as a starting point or lie in positions you move toward after establishing the mastoid reference, making the mastoid the best initial landmark.

Locating the upper cervical spine starts with a clear, palpable reference point. In this three-finger palpation trick, that reference is the mastoid process—the prominent bump behind the ear. Placing the index finger on the mastoid gives a reliable, easy-to-find landmark that anchors your palpation region and helps you orient toward the atlas (C1) area. The other landmarks are either less accessible as a starting point or lie in positions you move toward after establishing the mastoid reference, making the mastoid the best initial landmark.