The neck is an intriguing and fascinating area of our body, in the sense of anatomy. The neck houses vital blood vessels and organs but does not provide bones to protect them. The only bones we detect when we look at cervical bones are vertebrae which create the cervical spine. Today we’ll discuss the cervical spine.
The vertebral column is an incredibly important bone structure that serves as the support axis for the whole human body. The vertebral column developed precisely during thousands of years of evolutionary progress. A significant effect on the spinal structure was created by upright posture and the necessity to lean back on two legs while keeping the body upright.
Alongside the role of supporting The spinal column also serves as a protection for your spinal cord. This is why there’s an opening inside the body of every vertebra. When several vertebrae are placed over each other the holes create the spinal canal. Within this canal, the spinal cord is found, with the aid of which we perform actions and are able to feel sensations like pain, touch and a sudden increase in temperature, and more. This is why accidents to the spine are very risky. LOWER LIMBS SKELETON ANATOMY
Vertebrae are the vertebral columns, small, dense bones that are embedded in intervertebral discs. The intervertebral discs are made up of elastic cartilage, which helps to reduce the force of shock during running, jumping, and other activities that can be dangerous for your spine. Additionally, the spinal column is also reinforced by strong muscles and ligaments.
The vertebral column can be divided into several sections:
Cervical;
Thoracic;
Lumbar;
Sacrum;
Coccyx.
The vertebrae of every part vary in size and shape. Additionally, each part is created by a distinct number of vertebrae.
Typical Cervical Vertebrae
A normal cervical vertebra is tiny in comparison to larger cervical and lumbar vertebrae.
If you take a look at the vertebra, you’ll immediately notice a massive bone mass. It is the vertebra’s body (corpus vertebrae). The principal support is from the vertically placed head as well as the impact weight at the lower extremities is placed onto the vertebral structure. The intervertebral discs for shock absorption are located specifically on the vertebral coronas between the vertebral bodies.
At the back of the spine’s body, there are the vertebral arches (arcus vertebrae). The vertebral bodies and the vertebral arch are the foramen vertebral (foramen vertebrae) that we have previously discussed. The spinal cord is situated in these holes.
The lateral parts that connect the vertebrae are the process of transverse (Processus transverse). The transverse processes of cervical vertebrae are quite unique and it is easy to discern the cervical vertebra in various ways:
Small size
Tubercles on the back and front
The existence of the transverse hole (foramen transversarium)
The cervical vertebrae are also equipped with articulated processes. In actuality, the articular processes exist located in the vertebrae of all parts. TORSO BONES ANATOMY
Atlas
Atlas was the very first vertebra in the cervical position. Its anatomy is distinct from other cervical vertebrae.
The first thing to note is that the atlas doesn’t have an actual body. Instead of a body, we can observe both the front (arcus frontal) and the back (arcus post) arches that join and make up the foramen vertebrae (foramen vertebrae).
The thickenings at the intersection of the posterior and anterior arches are known as lateral masses. On the lower and upper side of the lateral masses, there is an articular surface to allow the articulation (facies articular) in conjunction with those of the skull and the second cervical vertebra and vice versa.
On the side of the front of the atlas’s arc, we find a small fossa, called the fossa of Dens.
Axis
Axis can be described as the cervical vertebra that is second in importance. The second and first vertebrae are connected by an atlantoaxial joint which rotates the head in different directions.
The Axis, which is the cervical vertebra that is second is clearly visible as a vertical process called the dens. The rounded top edge from this canal is referred to as the dens’ tip. Dens align with the fossa of the tooth that is located in the anterior arch of the cervical vertebra that is the first. It’s this joint that allows us to rotate our heads.
The first cervical vertebrae are extremely compact and light in weight. Their anatomical attributes are determined by specific roles, that are connected first by holding the skull upright and doing various head movements.