Cervical Vertebrae

Written by Tele Demetrious

Updated:

Relevant Bony Anatomy

The cervical vertebrae are the smallest of the moving vertebrae of the spine. There are seven in total (C1 to C7) which form the neck and are numbered from the top of the neck (C1) to the bottom (C7). Collectively they act to support the skull, protect the spinal cord, allow movement of the neck and provide attachment points for the muscles and ligaments of the neck. Each cervical vertebrae joins with adjacent vertebrae primarily at the facet joints (located on each side of the spine) and the discs of the neck (located centrally at the front of the spine). Movements between each adjacent vertebrae are relatively small, but when summated over the entire vertebral column allow considerable mobility.

Apart from C1 and C2 which are atypical cervical vertebrae due to their structure and unique function (i.e. C1 attaches to the skull), the remaining cervical vertebrae primarily comprise of a body (at the front of the bone) and a vertebral arch (situated directly behind the body) which forms a relatively large hole known as the vertebral foramen. Since each vertebrae is situated directly above or below each other, their collective vertebral foramen line up forming the vertebral canal which houses and protects the spinal cord. Each vertebrae also has various bony prominences, such as the spinous process (located at the back of the bone) and transverse processes (located at each side of the vertebrae). These bony prominences provide attachment points to the ligaments and muscles of the neck.

Anatomy of the Cervical Vertebrae & Neck

Figure 1 – Anatomy of the Cervical Vertebrae & Neck

 


Location

The seven cervical vertebrae are located directly beneath the skull and are numbered from the top to bottom – C1 to C7.


Forms Joints With


Major Muscles of the Neck



Other Attachments


Related Injuries

  Related injuries


Relevant Physiotherapy Exercises

 

  Relevant Physiotherapy Exercises


Recommended Reading

  Recommended Reading


Find a Physio

Find a Physio

Find a physiotherapist in your local area who can diagnose and treat sports and spinal injuries and provide education on the anatomy of the neck and cervical vertebrae.


Link to this Page

Link to this Page

If you would like to link to this article on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:

<a href="https://physioadvisor.com.au/health/anatomy/bones/cervical-vertebrae”>Cervical Vertebrae – PhysioAdvisor.com</a><br/>PhysioAdvisor provides detailed physiotherapy information on the human anatomy of the neck and cervical vertebrae. Including location, joints, muscular attachments, relevant injuries and more...

Return to the top of Cervical Vertebrae.