Which structures form the SCP for occiput lateral bending?

Which structures form the SCP for occiput lateral bending?

• A. Occipital condyle and atlas anterior arch
• B. Spinous process of C2 and mastoid process
• C. Mastoid process and atlas transverse process on the side of lateral bend
• D. Temporal bone and axis pedicle

Answer: (C)

The movement being assessed is a lateral bend of the occiput around the atlanto-occipital region, so the two bones that form the contact pair for palpation are the structures that align with that articulation on the side of bend. The mastoid process provides a palpable landmark on the temporal bone just behind the occipital area, and the atlas (C1) transverse process on the same side serves as the other contact point. Together, these two points correspond to the two sides of the occipito-atlantal articulation involved in lateral bending, making them the appropriate SCP for this motion.

The movement being assessed is a lateral bend of the occiput around the atlanto-occipital region, so the two bones that form the contact pair for palpation are the structures that align with that articulation on the side of bend. The mastoid process provides a palpable landmark on the temporal bone just behind the occipital area, and the atlas (C1) transverse process on the same side serves as the other contact point. Together, these two points correspond to the two sides of the occipito-atlantal articulation involved in lateral bending, making them the appropriate SCP for this motion.