Anatomic.us > Skeletal System

Cervical Vertebra

Vertebrae present in the neck region are known as the cervical vertebrae. Cervical vertebrae are 7 in number (C1-C7) that contain meanings and spinal cord. There is a cervical disc present between these cervical vertebrae to bear the shock and to avoid excessive pressure on spine.

Cervical vertebrae are the most varied vertebrae as most of these are unique and different from each other. This part of human spine provides attachment to the muscles and ligaments of neck and this way helps stabilize the neck. These are the smallest of vertebrae and support the head as well.

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Cervical Vertebra

Parts of cervical vertebrae:

  • Thick, stacked and central vertebral bodies

  • Short and bifid spines

  • Pedicles that are attached to the body in  the mid of their lower and upper margins

  • Large vertebral foramen

  • Laminae

  • Articular processes and Articular facets

  • Foramen transversarium

  • Articular surfaces

  • Vertebral arch containing pedicles, laminae and transverse processes

 

Grouping of cervical vertebrae:

Depending on the shape and other aspects, cervical vertebrae are further classified into two main groups:

  • Typical cervical vertebrae

  • Atypical cervical vertebrae

 

Typical cervical vertebrae:

Third to sixth (C3-C6) cervical vertebrae share common features, hence grouped as typical cervical vertebrae. These have a short body, which is broader from the sides. The superior surface is concave and inferior surface is convex. The vertical foramen of these t vertebrae is large and triangular in shape. These vertebrae provide attachments for several ligaments like ligamentum flavum and longitudinal ligaments. C3 marks the levels of mandible and C4-C5 mark the level of thyroid cartilage.

 

Atypical cervical vertebrae:

The first, second and seventh vertebrae are unique and different from other typical vertebrae and are named as atypical vertebrae. The first cervical vertebra is also known as atlas and is ring or kidney shaped. Atlas lacks a spinous process. It is connected to the occipital condyles by its concave superior articular facets. It forms a joint with skull, called the atlanto-occipital joint and takes part in flexion and extension of the head- required during nodding.

Second cervical vertebra is called as axis and is identified by its unique peg-like process, odontoid process, a strong and tooth like projection that projects upwards from the body. The dens attaches to first vertebra via ligaments.

The seventh cervical vertebra is known as vertebra prominens owing to its long spinous process that can be felt easily through the skin and is considered a landmark for identifying this vertebra. Its spine is also not bifid and is a single horizontal projection. It is sometimes associated with the abnormal ribs, called cervical ribs and this association results in numbness and weakness of upper body parts due to the compression of nerves and vessels- a condition known as thoracic outlet syndrome.


Parts of cervical vertebrae:

  • Thick, stacked and central vertebral bodies

  • Short and bifid spines

  • Pedicles that are attached to the body in  the mid of their lower and upper margins

  • Large vertebral foramen

  • Laminae

  • Articular processes and Articular facets

  • Foramen transversarium

  • Articular surfaces

  • Vertebral arch containing pedicles, laminae and transverse processes

 

Grouping of cervical vertebrae:

Depending on the shape and other aspects, cervical vertebrae are further classified into two main groups:

  • Typical cervical vertebrae

  • Atypical cervical vertebrae

 

Typical cervical vertebrae:

Third to sixth (C3-C6) cervical vertebrae share common features, hence grouped as typical cervical vertebrae. These have a short body, which is broader from the sides. The superior surface is concave and inferior surface is convex. The vertical foramen of these t vertebrae is large and triangular in shape. These vertebrae provide attachments for several ligaments like ligamentum flavum and longitudinal ligaments. C3 marks the levels of mandible and C4-C5 mark the level of thyroid cartilage.

 

Atypical cervical vertebrae:

The first, second and seventh vertebrae are unique and different from other typical vertebrae and are named as atypical vertebrae. The first cervical vertebra is also known as atlas and is ring or kidney shaped. Atlas lacks a spinous process. It is connected to the occipital condyles by its concave superior articular facets. It forms a joint with skull, called the atlanto-occipital joint and takes part in flexion and extension of the head- required during nodding.

Second cervical vertebra is called as axis and is identified by its unique peg-like process, odontoid process, a strong and tooth like projection that projects upwards from the body. The dens attaches to first vertebra via ligaments.

The seventh cervical vertebra is known as vertebra prominens owing to its long spinous process that can be felt easily through the skin and is considered a landmark for identifying this vertebra. Its spine is also not bifid and is a single horizontal projection. It is sometimes associated with the abnormal ribs, called cervical ribs and this association results in numbness and weakness of upper body parts due to the compression of nerves and vessels- a condition known as thoracic outlet syndrome.

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