The cervical vertebrae are the seven uppermost bone pieces of the vertebral column. They are located immediately below the skull, with each one of them being separated from the other by a disc of cartilage. They are: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7. The most superior one is called atlas (C1), connecting the base of the skull with the vertebral column. The second cervical vertebra, on the other hand, is called the axis (C2).
From C3 to C7, a cervical vertebra consists of an anterior body; a posterior spinous process, which juts out backwards, ending in a point; two lateral transverse processes; and two inferior articular processes. The vertebral foramen, through which the spinal cord runs, is bounded and contained by these bone processes. The lateral transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae also contain a smaller opening called transverse foramen, through which the vertebral arteries runs up into the head. The distal cervical vertebra articulates with the proximal thoracic vertebra, which is taller and thicker.
Below, a radiograph of the neck region (lateral view). It shows the seven cervical vertebrae. 1- atlas; 2- the axis; 3- transverse process; 4- spinous process; 5- articular process.
Atlas and axis (first and second vertebrae) articulating together (posterior view)
Second cervical vertebra’s lateral view
