cervical spine (C-spine)

Introduction

7 cervical vertebrae, C1-C7. C1& C2 are 'atypical': because

• part of the body of C1 is transferred to the body of C2
• part of the body that remains with C1 is represented by the anterior arch of C1.
• part of the body of C1 that was transferred to C2 becomes the dens. It is the pivot around which C1 (carrying the head) rotates. C3 - C6 are 'typical': characterized by
• large & triangular vertebral foramen
• spinous process: Short & bifid (C3-C5); long (C6) C7 (vertebra prominens):
• foramina transversaria small or absent
• spinous process - long & nonbifid

More general terms

• anatomic structure

More specific terms

• carotid tubercle (Chassaignac tubercle)
• sternomastoid
• transverse foramen; vertebroarterial foramen; foramen of transverse process
• tubercle of atlas (anterior/posterior)
• tubercle of cervical vertebra (anterior/posterior)
• uncinate process of cervical vertebra
• uncovertebral joint (Luschka joint)

Additional terms

• cervical spine (C-spine) clearance
• cervical spine (C-spine) injury
• cervical spine involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• nerve root

Component of

• vertebral column