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Cervical Spine Anatomy

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(Redirected from Cervical vertebrae)

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
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Last edited:
16 November 2025 15:56:49
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