Cervical vertebrae

The 7 cervical vertebrae are termed C1 to C7. With the exceptions of anomalies in C1, C2 and C7, they are characterised by:

• formation of the bony framework of the neck
• relatively small compared to other vertebrae
• body:
  • relatively small and kidney shaped
  • superior and inferior surface both slightly lipped at lateral margins
  • uncovertebral joints at margins of body
• pedicles pass dorsolaterally
• vertebral foramen triangular in shape and relatively large
• laminae relatively long and narrow
• spinous process short and bifid
• tranverse processes:
  • broad
  • arises from junction of body and pedicle
  • divided into anterior and posterior tubercles joined by costotransverse lamella; region bounded is the foramen transversarium
  • costotransverse lamella has groove on its superior surface for ventral ramus of spinal nerve
  • the rib component of cervical vertebrae is represented by anterior root and tubercle, intertubercular lamella and anterior part of posterior tubercle
• at junction of pedicle and lamina is articular mass:
  • superior and inferior articular processes project from mass
  • superior articular surface faces superiorly and posteriorly
  • inferior articular surface faces inferiorly and anteriorly
  • the slope of the facet surface becomes less horizontal with descent down the cervical spine