CorpusHuman Anatomy
SkeletalBone group

Cervical vertebrae

Vertebrae cervicales

Also known as: C1–C7, cervical spine, neck vertebrae, vertebra prominens

The seven vertebrae of the neck (C1–C7) — the smallest and most mobile, identified by the foramen in each transverse process. C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) are specialised for movements of the head.

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Overview

Number7
Vertebral artery entersTransverse foramen of C6 (≈90%)
Commonest disc herniationsC5–C6 and C6–C7

Typical cervical vertebrae (C3–C6) have small, broad, oval bodies with raised lateral lips called uncinate processes, which form uncovertebral joints (of Luschka) with the vertebra above; a large triangular vertebral foramen to accommodate the cervical enlargement of the cord; short bifid spinous processes (C3–C6); and transverse processes containing a transverse foramen (foramen transversarium), ending in anterior and posterior tubercles separated by a groove for the spinal nerve. The articular facets are flat and inclined at ≈45° (superior facets face superoposteriorly), permitting flexion, extension, lateral flexion and some rotation.

The vertebral artery usually enters the transverse foramen of C6 and ascends through C6–C1; C7's foramen transmits only accessory veins. The large anterior tubercle of C6 is the carotid (Chassaignac) tubercle, against which the common carotid artery can be compressed. C7 (vertebra prominens) has a long, non-bifid spinous process — the first easily palpable spinous process at the base of the neck and a landmark for counting vertebrae.

Location

Neck, between the skull and T1.

Parts & subdivisions

  1. Atlas (C1)
    Ring-shaped, no body or spinous process.
  2. Axis (C2)
    Has the dens around which the atlas rotates.
  3. Transverse foramina
    Vertebral artery (C6–C1), vertebral veins and sympathetic plexus.
  4. Uncinate processes
    Raised lateral lips of C3–C7 bodies; uncovertebral joints; osteophytes here narrow the intervertebral foramina.
  5. Bifid spinous processes
    C2–C6; attachment of the ligamentum nuchae.
  6. C6 carotid tubercle
    Anterior tubercle of C6 transverse process; level of the cricoid cartilage and start of trachea and oesophagus.
  7. C7 vertebra prominens
    Long, palpable, non-bifid spinous process.

Anatomy

Articulations

Atlanto-occipital joints (C1–occiput), atlanto-axial joints (C1–C2), intervertebral discs and facet joints C2–T1, uncovertebral joints C3–T1.

Ligaments

Ligamentum nuchae (from the external occipital protuberance to C7 spinous process), anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, ligamenta flava; craniovertebral ligaments (transverse, alar, tectorial membrane).

Function

  • Support and move the head (≈40% of flexion–extension and ≈50% of rotation occur at the craniovertebral joints)
  • Protect the cervical spinal cord
  • Transmit and protect the vertebral arteries

Clinical significance

Whiplash injury

Rapid hyperextension then flexion (rear-end collision) strains the anterior longitudinal ligament, facet joint capsules and neck muscles.

Cervical spondylosis

Disc degeneration with uncovertebral and facet osteophytes narrows the intervertebral foramina (radiculopathy) and vertebral canal (myelopathy) — the commonest cause of spinal cord dysfunction in older adults.

Cervical spine injury

C1–C2 and C5–C7 are the commonest injured levels. Fractures above C3–C5 threaten diaphragmatic innervation (phrenic nerve) — "C3, 4, 5 keeps the diaphragm alive".

Test yourself

Which feature is unique to cervical vertebrae?
  1. Costal facets on the transverse processes
  2. Foramina in the transverse processes
  3. Mammillary processes
  4. Sagittally oriented articular facets

Answer: Foramina in the transverse processes

Transverse foramina (foramina transversaria) are found only in cervical vertebrae; they transmit the vertebral artery (usually from C6 upward) and veins. Costal facets characterise thoracic vertebrae; mammillary processes and sagittal facets are lumbar features.

Which pair correctly matches the vertebra with its feature?
  1. Atlas — dens (odontoid process)
  2. Axis — no vertebral body
  3. C7 — vertebra prominens with a long non-bifid spinous process
  4. L5 — transverse foramina for the vertebral artery

Answer: C7 — vertebra prominens with a long non-bifid spinous process

C7 (vertebra prominens) has a long, palpable, non-bifid spinous process. The dens belongs to the axis (C2); it is the atlas (C1) that lacks a body. Lumbar vertebrae have no transverse foramina.

More skeletal system questions

Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Skeletal System sources. For education only; not medical advice.