CERVICAL VERTEBRAE
- There are 7 cervical vertebrae.
- 3-6 are typical.
- 1st, 2nd & 7th are atypical.
TYPICAL VERTEBRAE
- Important features are:
1. Foramen transversarium is present in the transverse process.
- Foramen transversaria of C1 to C6 vertebrae transmit vertebral artery, vertebral vein & sympathetic plexus, & that of C7 transmits only vertebral veins.
2. Body is small & broad transversely (side to side).
3. Spinous process is small & bifid.
4. Vertebral foramen is large & triangular.
5. Superior articular facet is directed backwards & upwards, & inferior facet is directed downwards and forwards.
- Articular process are placed horizontally, so that dislocation can occur without fracture.
6. The anterior tubercle on transverse process of C6 vertebra is prominent & is called carotid tubercle or chaissagnac’s tubercle.
- It is related to common carotid artery which can be palpated against it.
- Erb’s point= opposite chassaignac’s tubercle.
- Cricoid cartilage is at same level (C6 vertebra).
ATYPICAL VERTEBRAE
- Important features are:
1. First cervical vertebra (atlas) is ring like bone having lateral mass on each side connected by a smaller anterior arch & a larger posterior arch.
- Anterior arch has a facet for dens of axis.
- Each lateral mass has an upper articular facet for occipital condyle & lower facet for body of C2 (axis) vertebra.
- C1 vertebra does not have body & spinous process.
2. Second cervical vertebra (axis) is characterized by presence of odontoid process or dens, a peg- like projections from the body.
3. Seventh cervical vertebra is called as vertebra prominens because it has most prominent spinous process which is not bifid.
- Foramen transversarium transmits only vertebral vein, not vertebral artery.

Exam Important
- Cervical vertebrae can be differentiated from thoracic vertebrae on the basis of Presence of foramen transversarium.
- First cervical vertebra (atlas) is ring like bone having lateral mass.
- Second cervical vertebra (axis) is characterized by presence of odontoid process or dens.
- Seventh cervical vertebra is called as vertebra prominens because it has most prominent spinous process.
- The hyoid bone is found at the level of third cervical vertebrae in adults.
- Primary vertebral curve is Thoracic.
- The anterior tubercle on transverse process of C6 vertebra is prominent & is called carotid tubercle or chaissagnac’s tubercle.
- Chassaignac’s tubercle loes at the level of Erb’s point.
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