![]() C1, also known as “atlas,” is unique among all vertebrae in that it lacks both a vertebral body and a spinous process. There are three atypical vertebrae found in the cervical region. Lastly, cervical vertebrae are known to have the greatest intervertebral disc height, which increases the range of motion. Some studies have shown that more inferior cervical vertebrae have superior facets that face in a posterolateral direction – more akin to those of the thoracic region. Cervical vertebrae tend to have superior articular facets that face posteromedially. The spinous process of cervical vertebrae increases as the spinal column descends. ![]() Another feature unique to the cervical vertebrae is the bifid spinous process (See “physiologic variants” section), which may increase the surface area for muscle attachment. This is true of all cervical vertebrae except C7, whose transverse foramina contain only accessory veins. These transverse foramina encircle the vertebral arteries and veins. The most notable distinction is the presence of one foramen in each transverse process. Typical cervical vertebrae have several features distinct from those typical of thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. Lastly, the two transverse processes project laterally from the vertebral arch symmetrically. The spinous process projects posteriorly and often inferiorly from the vertebral arch and may overlap the inferior vertebrae to various degrees, depending on the region of the spine. These maintain vertebral alignment, control the range of motion, and are weight-bearing in certain positions. ![]() The point at which superior and articular facets meet is known as a facet, or zygapophyseal, joint. The arch consists of bilateral pedicles, cylindrical processes of bone that connect the arch to the body, and bilateral lamina, flat bone segments that form most of the arch, connecting the transverse and spinous processes.Ī typical vertebra also contains four articular processes, two superior and two inferior, which contact the inferior and superior articular processes of adjacent vertebrae, respectively. The arch, along with the posterior aspect of the body, forms the vertebral (spinal) canal, which contains the spinal cord. The vertebral body consists of trabecular bone, which contains the red marrow, surrounded by a thin external layer of compact bone. Vertebral bodies increase in size from superior to inferior. The body bears the majority of the force placed on the vertebra. Typical vertebrae consist of a vertebral body, a vertebral arch, as well as seven processes. While all vertebrae share most morphologic features, several notable features exist in the cervical region. The cervical vertebrae, as a group, produce a lordotic curve. The intervertebral discs, along with the laminae and the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae, create a space through which spinal nerves exit. The cervical region contains seven vertebrae, denoted C1-C7, which are the smallest of the vertebral column. The intervertebral discs are responsible for this mobility without sacrificing the supportive strength of the vertebral column. The spine has several major roles in the body that include: protection of the spinal cord and branching spinal nerves, support for the thorax and abdomen and allows for flexibility and mobility of the body. ![]() It extends from the skull to the coccyx and includes the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions. Vertebrae, along with intervertebral discs, compose the vertebral column or spine. ![]()
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