Cervical Vertebrae Bones Anatomy Vector Graphic

The cervical vertebrae are the uppermost segment of the vertebral column, located in the neck. There are seven cervical vertebrae, labeled C1 to C7. Here’s an overview of their characteristics and functions:

Characteristics of Cervical Vertebrae

1. C1 (Atlas):

• The first cervical vertebra.
• Supports the skull.
• Lacks a vertebral body and spinous process.
• Articulates with the occipital bone of the skull, allowing nodding movements (flexion and extension of the head).

1. C2 (Axis):

• The second cervical vertebra.
• Has a distinctive peg-like projection called the odontoid process (dens), which the atlas rotates around, enabling side-to-side head movements.

1. C3 to C6:

• Typical cervical vertebrae with a small body, large vertebral foramen, bifid (split) spinous processes, and transverse foramina (holes in the transverse processes for the passage of the vertebral arteries).

1. C7 (Vertebra Prominens):

• The seventh cervical vertebra.
• Has a longer and more prominent spinous process, which can be felt at the base of the neck.
• Transverse foramina are usually smaller and may not always be present.

Functions of Cervical Vertebrae

• Support and Movement: The cervical vertebrae support the head and allow a wide range of movements, including flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation.
• Protection of Spinal Cord: The cervical vertebrae protect the spinal cord and provide a conduit for the spinal nerves that emerge from the spinal cord.
• Passage of Blood Vessels: The transverse foramina in the cervical vertebrae allow the passage of the vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the brain.

Unique Features

• Transverse Foramina: Present in all cervical vertebrae except sometimes C7, these foramina allow the vertebral arteries to pass through.
• Bifid Spinous Processes: The spinous processes of C2 to C6 are typically bifid, meaning they split into two parts at the tip.
• Large Vertebral Foramen: The vertebral foramen (the hole through which the spinal cord passes) is relatively large in the cervical region to accommodate the cervical enlargement of the spinal cord, which innervates the upper limbs.