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The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae. These are located directly below the skull and represent the most mobile part of the spinal column. The cervical spine bears the main load of the skull. The first two vertebrae of the cervical spine, Atlas and Axis, are the only vertebrae that deviate significantly from the basic vertebral structure.

Exercises

Trunk

Spine

Cervical spine

Neighbouring structures

Skull

Thoracic spine

Ribs

Body regions

Spine

Bones trunk

Trunk

Organ system

Irregular Bones

Bones

Passive movement apparatus

Movement apparatus

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Anatomy

Views and anatomy of the cervical spine

The cervical spine is the uppermost and most mobile part of the spine. It has seven cervical vertebrae, of which the first and second cervical vertebrae (atlas and axis) deviate significantly from the basic form. Together with the base of the skull, the two cervical vertebrae form the upper and lower head joint (bicondylar joint). In contrast to the other vertebrae, the atlas has no vertebral body. Furthermore, there is no intervertebral disc between the first two cervical vertebrae.
The remaining five cervical vertebrae have a relatively small and almost cuboid vertebral body. The associated vertebral foramen is triangular and large compared to the vertebral body.

The marginal surfaces of the vertebral body are inclined in a saddle-like manner and rise at the cranial surfaces (procc. uncinatus), which, however, only become visible in the tenth year of life.

The cervical vertebrae three to six have a forked spinous process which is relatively short. The seventh cervical vertebra is called vertebra prominens (protruding vertebra) because its spinous process protrudes a little further than in the other six cervical vertebrae. It can be clearly felt from the outside and therefore serves as a point of orientation. The vertebral arteries (arteriae vertebrales) run through the transverse processes of the cervical spine. Together with the internal carotid arteries, they ensure the supply of blood to the brain. The cranial surface of the transverse process has a groove from the third cervical vertebra onwards, the sulcus n. spinalis. The spinal nerve is located in this groove.

Movements

Views and anatomy of the cervical vertebrae

Atlas and axis together with the base of the skull form the upper and lower cervical joints. The connection between the occipital bone and the first cervical vertebra is the upper cervical joint. This connection is surrounded by a loose joint capsule and is held in place by ligaments between the occipital bone and the anterior and posterior arches of the atlas. This creates a range of motion of the joint of about 20° (forward and backward).

The lower head joint consists of three separate joints:

• the first between the tooth (dens) of the axis vertebra, the anterior arch of the first cervical vertebra and a ligament (ligamentum cruciforme atlantis) in the atlas
• the second and third left and right between the joint surfaces of the first cervical vertebra and the axis vertebra

Thus the lower head joint together with a narrow joint capsule allows a freedom of movement of 30° to the right and left.

Function

The cervical spine is used to support the skull and still allow for mobility. Eight spinal nerves also originate at the cervical spine. The upper four of these nerves supply the neck and the associated muscles and diaphragm. The cervical spine protects the ascending blood vessels and the spinal cord.

Free exploration

Look at the structure of the cervical spine in 3D and explore it freely. Afterwards you can test your acquired knowledge by the exercises.

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Exercises

Further article

Finger bones

Sacrum and coccyx

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