CERVICAL VERTEBRAE

CERVICAL VERTEBRAE


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.

2Body 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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