Typical cervical vertebra

• Typical cervical vertebra:

  • Bifid spinous and transverse processes (except C7)
  • Foramen transversarium for vertebral artery and vein
  • Vertebra prominens (C7 has a prominent spinous process)

  
• Atlas (C1):

  • Ring of bone
  • No vertebral body
  • Large superior articular facets

  
• Axis (C2):

  • Odontoid process (‘dens’) projects upwards into atlas
  • Forms a pivot joint allowing rotation