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Cervical

Cervical Vertebrae are seven in number out of 33 vertebrae in the Vertebral Column. The Cervical Vertebrae can be recognised by their smallest size among other Vertebrae. They reside at the base of the Skull. The First Cervical Vertebra C1 is known as Atlas and the Second Cervical Vertebra C2 is known as Axis. These names are based on their shape and function. Others are named as C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7 respective to their preceding positions. The Spine formed by combining all the Cervical Vertebrae is known as Cervical Spine.

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Cervical


STRUCTURE AND POSITION :

The First Cervical Vertebra, the Atlas, is closest to the Skull. The Cervical vertebrae are smallest of the Vertebral Column and have a prominent feature of having a hole in their transverse processes. C1, C2 and C7 are known as Atypical Vertebrae because of their different features while rest of them are known as Typical Vertebrae.

  • Typical Vertebrae consist of a dense Body anteriorly and a Spine posteriorly. On either side, there are Transverse Processes directed laterally. These Processes are divided into anterior and posterior parts by a foramen known as Foramen Transversarium. Vertebral vessels pass through this foramen into upper six Vertebrae.
  • Atlas and Axis are located at the top and they form a joint that connects the Skull with Spine. Atlas is an oval shaped structure which lacks the body.
  • Axis is the second Vertebra and is easily recognised by the presence of tooth like upward projection, known as Odontoid Process or Dens. This process fits into the Atlas located on its top, thus forming a pivot joint that enables the Neck to rotate laterally.
  • Seventh Cervical Vertebra C7 is also known as Vertebra Prominens. It has a large Spinous Process posteriorly. It may be associated with a pair of abnormal Cervical ribs.

ARTICULATIONS :

 

  • The Atlas is connected to the Skull by a joint formed by its superior articular facets joined to the Skull. This joint allows only a little movement.
  • Axis is joined to Atlas by the help of the Dens. This pivot rotates in the Atlas and allows the rotation of the Neck and other movements as well.
  • Next all Vertebrae are joined to each other by the Superior and Inferior Articular Facets.
  • Their bodies are joined to each other by the help of Cartilaginous Discs between them.

FUNCTION :

 

  • The joint between the Skull and the Atlas allows the movements of nodding that are flexion and extension.
  • The joint between the Atlas and Axis allows the rotatory movements at left and right laterally.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE :

 

Cervical Spine contains important cranial nerves that are susceptible to damage during any trauma or accident, especially road traffic accidents and fall from a height. Its injury leads to death or profound disability in form of paralysis to arms, legs or diaphragm leading to respiratory failure.



STRUCTURE AND POSITION :

The First Cervical Vertebra, the Atlas, is closest to the Skull. The Cervical vertebrae are smallest of the Vertebral Column and have a prominent feature of having a hole in their transverse processes. C1, C2 and C7 are known as Atypical Vertebrae because of their different features while rest of them are known as Typical Vertebrae.

  • Typical Vertebrae consist of a dense Body anteriorly and a Spine posteriorly. On either side, there are Transverse Processes directed laterally. These Processes are divided into anterior and posterior parts by a foramen known as Foramen Transversarium. Vertebral vessels pass through this foramen into upper six Vertebrae.
  • Atlas and Axis are located at the top and they form a joint that connects the Skull with Spine. Atlas is an oval shaped structure which lacks the body.
  • Axis is the second Vertebra and is easily recognised by the presence of tooth like upward projection, known as Odontoid Process or Dens. This process fits into the Atlas located on its top, thus forming a pivot joint that enables the Neck to rotate laterally.
  • Seventh Cervical Vertebra C7 is also known as Vertebra Prominens. It has a large Spinous Process posteriorly. It may be associated with a pair of abnormal Cervical ribs.

ARTICULATIONS :

 

  • The Atlas is connected to the Skull by a joint formed by its superior articular facets joined to the Skull. This joint allows only a little movement.
  • Axis is joined to Atlas by the help of the Dens. This pivot rotates in the Atlas and allows the rotation of the Neck and other movements as well.
  • Next all Vertebrae are joined to each other by the Superior and Inferior Articular Facets.
  • Their bodies are joined to each other by the help of Cartilaginous Discs between them.

FUNCTION :

 

  • The joint between the Skull and the Atlas allows the movements of nodding that are flexion and extension.
  • The joint between the Atlas and Axis allows the rotatory movements at left and right laterally.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE :

 

Cervical Spine contains important cranial nerves that are susceptible to damage during any trauma or accident, especially road traffic accidents and fall from a height. Its injury leads to death or profound disability in form of paralysis to arms, legs or diaphragm leading to respiratory failure.

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