What is the characteristic of the spinous process of the cervical vertebrae?

The spinous process of a typical cervical vertebra is short and bifid posteriorly. It is bifid because it develops from two separate secondary centers of ossification. This morphology is unique to cervical spinous processes.

What are the main functions of cervical vertebrae?

Your cervical spine consists of the first seven vertebrae in your spine. It provides support for the weight of your head, surrounds and protects your spinal cord, and allows for a wide range of head motions.

Which are unique characteristics of the cervical vertebrae quizlet?

Defining characteristics of the cervical vertebrae.
  • Small.
  • Articular facets on transverse plane.
  • Bifid spinous process (except C1 and C7)
  • Transverse foramen for vertebral artery to pass through (except for C7)

What is the characteristic of C7 cervical vertebrae?

Unlike the other cervical vertebrae, the C7 has a large spinous process that protrudes posteriorly toward the skin at the back of the neck. This spinous process can be easily seen and felt at the base of the neck, making it a prominent landmark of the skeleton (giving the C7 the name vertebra prominens).

What type of bone is cervical vertebrae?

Cervical vertebrae C3 through C6 are known as typical vertebrae because they share the same basic characteristics with most of the vertebrae throughout the rest of the spine. Typical vertebrae have: Vertebral body. This thick bone is cylindrical-shaped and located at the front of the vertebra.

What are the 7 cervical vertebrae?

Position of human cervical vertebrae (shown in red). It consists of 7 bones, from top to bottom, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7.

How can you tell the difference between C6 and C7?

3. Palpate the spine to determine the spinous processes of C7 and mark this point. C7 can be identified by palpating the base of the occiput down into the deep hollow where the next bony prominence felt will be C2, then C3-5 are closely packed and the spine of C6 is very prominent.

What is the significance of the C3 C4 and C5 vertebrae?

The Relationship Between the C3, C4, & C5 Vertebrae

These vertebrae protect the spinal cord running through the cervical region of the spine, as well as provide support for the neck and head. The C3, C4, & C5 vertebrae form the midsection of the cervical spine.

What are the characteristics of thoracic vertebrae?

Thoracic vertebrae have bodies of intermediate size. They are distinguished by their long, slender spines and by the presence of facets on the sides of the bodies articulating with the heads of the ribs and by facets on the transverse processes articulating with the tubercles of ribs.

What is the name and function of the first cervical vertebrae?

C1: The first vertebra in the column closest to the skull is also known as the atlas. It forms the joint that connects the skull and the spinal column. C2: Also known as the axis, it creates a pivot that allows C1 to rotate, thus giving the head greater range of motion.

What is the function of C1 and C2?

The C1 and C2 vertebrae function together to give your head flexibility. With the atlas and axis relationship, you are able to swivel and rotate your head, as well as support your head. These two vertebrae are more responsible for the head’s rotational range of motion than from any other joint.

What is the name and function of the second cervical vertebrae?

Axis (C2) The second cervical vertebra, or axis, supports the dens, or odontoid process, which projects rostrally from the body, serving as a pivotal restraint against horizontal displacement of the atlas.

What are the functions of lumbar vertebrae?

Your lumbar vertebrae provide stability for your back and spinal column and allow for a point of attachment for many muscles and ligaments. Your lumbar vertebrae support most of your body’s weight.

What is the significance of the C3 C4 and C5 vertebrae?

The Relationship Between the C3, C4, & C5 Vertebrae

These vertebrae protect the spinal cord running through the cervical region of the spine, as well as provide support for the neck and head. The C3, C4, & C5 vertebrae form the midsection of the cervical spine.

What is the function of C2?

Normal Function

The C2 gene provides instructions for making the complement component 2 protein. This protein helps regulate a part of the body’s immune response known as the complement system.

How are C1 and C2 different from other cervical vertebrae?

The C1 and C2 vertebrae are the first two vertebrae at the top of the cervical spine. Together they form the atlantoaxial joint, which is a pivot joint. The C1 sits atop and rotates around C2 below. More of the head’s rotational range of motion comes from C1-C2 than any other cervical joint.

What is the function of C5?

C5 helps control the deltoids (which form the rounded contours of the shoulders) and the biceps (which allow bending of the elbow and rotation of the forearm). The C5 dermatome covers the outer part of the upper arm down to about the elbow.

What does C4 C5 and C6 control?

C5, as mentioned earlier, along with C3 and C4, contributes to the phrenic nerve that innervates the diaphragm. Roots C5, C6, and C7 produce the long thoracic nerve, responsible for controlling the serratus anterior.