Anatomy of the cervical vertebra, structure and function

The human spine consists of more than 30 vertebrae, which are united into 5 divisions. It is cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum and coccyx. Each of the departments of the spine has its own functions and features of the structure. There is a division between the vertebrae, the false and the true. Sacrum and coccyx can be attributed to the group of false vertebrae.

Neck

How many cervical vertebrae differ from the rest? How do they look? These questions can easily be answered by knowing the structure of the spine.

In the spine of the person there are 7 cervical vertebrae, which are part of the true group. They are articulated among themselves by a special ligamentous-muscular apparatus, which includes intervertebral disks and joints. The elastic structure of the discs allows you to soften the load on the spine while moving, ensuring its safety.

All the vertebrae of the cervical spine develop with age and form a lordosis - a special bend, laterally resembling a concavity. Each vertebra differs from each other.

Anatomy of the cervical vertebra, the first and second, is significantly different from all the others. Thanks to 1 and 2 vertebrae, a person can turn his head to the sides and make head inclinations.

Anatomy of the vertebra

The structure of the vertebrae is the same for all. Each vertebra has a body, an arch and appendages. The body is a thickened part of the vertebra, which is directed from above and below to other vertebrae, is confined in front and laterally by a concave surface, posteriorly flattened.

The entire body of the vertebra is equipped with nutrient holes through which the vessels and nerve endings pass.

The arch of the vertebra forms a vertebral foramen, bounding posteriorly and laterally. Being located one above the other, the arcs form a vertebral canal. The spinal cord passes through it.

Zadebokovye facets of the body of the vertebra begin to narrow, forming a leg of the arch of the vertebra, which passes into the plate of the arch of the vertebra.

On the surfaces (upper and lower) legs there are corresponding vertebral notches. Adjoining adjacent vertebrae, they form an intervertebral foramen.

On the arc of the vertebra there are 7 appendages. The spinous process is directed posteriorly. The remaining 6 paired. Upper articular, lower articular and transverse processes.

All 4 articular processes are equipped with articular surfaces. With their help, the adjacent vertebrae are articulated together.

Anatomy of the cervical vertebra

Cervical vertebrae in medicine are usually called a letter and a number (the letter C and the number from 1 to 7). Vertebrae are characterized by low bodies dilated downwards. Surfaces of the body are concave (upper right to left, lower from front to back). In 3-6 vertebrae, elevated lateral margins are visible on the upper surface, which form the hook of the body.

The vertebral aperture is triangular in shape, wide.

Articular processes in comparison with others, short, oblique, and their surfaces either slightly convex or flat.

Spinous processes starting from 2, ending with 7 vertebrae, gradually elongate. Up to 6 vertebrae it is split at the end, slightly inclined downwards.

Transverse processes are short, directed to the sides. A furrow runs along the top of each appendage. It divides the tubercles into the anterior and posterior, along which the spinal nerve passes.

Anatomy of the cervical vertebra is interesting for its differences. For example, in 6 vertebrae, the anterior tubercle is particularly developed. Close to him passes the carotid artery, which is pressed against the blood loss to him. Therefore, the tubercle is called sleepy.

Transverse processes are formed by two processes. The anterior one is the rudiment of the rib, the posterior is the process itself. Both processes are the orifice stops. The hole is called vertebral-arterial, because through it the vertebral artery and vein pass, and also the nervous sympathetic plexus.

Other vertebrae

The other vertebrae differ: the first cervical vertebra (atlant), the second (axial vertebra), the seventh (protruding vertebra).

First vertebra

The Atlantean does not have a body and a spinous process. The vertebra is represented in the form of a ring formed by two arcs (front and back). These arcs are joined together by special lateral masses. Above, the oval concavity joins with the occipital bone, and from below with the almost flat surface of the second vertebra.

The anterior arch has a tubercle, the posterior one has a small articular area - the fossa of the tooth.

The posterior arch has a tubercle, and on the upper part there is a furrow of the vertebral artery (sometimes turns into a canal).

Anatomy of the cervical vertebra of the atlas has no analogues among others. Together with the 2 vertebra, it forms a unique connection, allowing you to perform various movements with your head.

The second vertebra

The second vertebra has an upwardly directed tooth from the body, which terminates in the apex (it joins the fossa of the tooth of the atlas with the anterior articular surface, the transverse ligament of the atlas abuts against the posterior articular surface).

A skull and the first cervical vertebra rotate around the tooth.

Transverse processes without tubercles and furrows of the spinal nerve.

Seventh vertebra

The protruding seventh cervical vertebra is distinguished by the fact that it has a long spinous process (undiluted). It is noticeable with the naked eye and it can be easily probed through the skin. Because of this feature and got its name. In addition, the vertebra also has long transverse processes. The holes of the same name are either small or absent.

The lower edge of the lateral surface of the body often has a facet (rib fossa). This is the so-called imprint of the joint with the head 1 of the rib.

All cervical vertebrae are strong and strong bones. Knowing their characteristics, you can easily determine the bone of the spine in appearance.