Jump to content
We need you! See something you could improve? Make an edit and help improve WikSM for everyone.

Cervical Spine Anatomy

From WikiSM
(Redirected from Axis)

Description

Lateral view of the cervical spine[1]
Anatomy of the human cervical spine[2]
Posterior view of the atlanto-occipital joint, to observe the transverse and alar ligaments[3]
Illustration of the atlanto axial joint[4]
The cervical vertebral levels have been labeled in yellow. The level at which the asymmetrical cervical ribs exist is labeled in orange/blue. The first thoracic vertebral transverse processes are labeled in green.[5]

Name

  • Cervical Spine Anatomy
  • Neck vertebrae
  • Cervical vertebral column
  • Cervical segment of the spine
  • C1–C7 region

General

Characteristic Features

  • Three main features which distinguish them from other vertebrae
  • Vertebral foramen: triangular in shape
  • Spinous process: bifid where the spinous process splits into two distally.
  • Transverse foramina: holes in the transverse processes, give passage to the vertebral artery, vein and sympathetic nerves

Atlas

  • First cervical vertebrae, articulates with the occiput (skull) and axis (c2)
  • Has no vertebral body, no spinous process
  • Lateral masses are connected by an anterior and posterior arch
  • Each lateral mass has a superior articular facet (for occiput), inferior articular facet (for C2)
  • Anterior arch articulates with the dens of C2
  • This is secured by the transverse ligament of the atlas
  • Posterior arch has a groove for the vertebral artery, Suboccipital Nerve

Axis

  • Easily identifiable due to its characteristic den or odontoid process
  • This extends superiorly from the anterior portion of the vertebrae
  • The dens articulates with the anterior arch of the atlas, creating the medial atlanto axial joint
  • Allows for rotation of the head independent of the torso
  • Contains superior articular facets which articulate with lateral facets of C1, creating lateral atlantoaxial joints

Articulations

Ligaments

Anatomical Relationships

  • Transverse foramina
    • Passageway for vertebral artery, vein and sympathetic nerves
    • Exception is C7, vertebral artery passes around vertebrae instead of through transverse foramen
  • Intervertebral foramen
    • Transmit the spinal nerves
    • Created by the joints at the articular processes
    • Exception is C7, which extends above and below the vertebrae

Accessory Bones of the Cervical Spine

Cervical Rib

  • Accessory rib which arises from the seventh cervical vertebrae
  • Occur in approximately 0.5% of the population, typically bilateral[6]
  • Can be considered a congenital "overdevelopment" of the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebrae

Clinical Significance

Teardrop fracture of C2 (arrow)

See Also

References

  1. ↑ Drosos, Alexandros A., et al. "A not-to-miss cause of severe cervical spine pain in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: A case-based review." Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology 32.3 (2021): 256.
  2. ↑ Haug, Eberhard, et al. "Human models for crash and impact simulation." Handbook of numerical analysis 12 (2004): 231-452.
  3. ↑ Ortiz, Gerardo L., Ivette Pratts, and Edwardo Ramos. "Grisel's syndrome: an unusual cause of torticollis." Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine 6.3 (2013): 175-180.
  4. ↑ Image courtesy of kenhub.com
  5. ↑ Case courtesy of Tom Molyneux, Radiopaedia.org, rID: 192172
  6. ↑ Chest Roentgenology. (2011) ISBN: 9789374734872
Created by:
John Kiel on 15 April 2025 13:51:58
Authors:
Last edited:
16 November 2025 15:56:49
Categories:
Retrieved from "https://wikism.org/w/index.php?title=Cervical_Spine_Anatomy&oldid=38426"