What is the function of each cervical vertebrae?

What is the function of each cervical vertebrae?

The vertebrae that make up the cervical spine are the smallest seven within the spinal column. These bones give the neck structure, support the skull, and protect the spinal cord, among other functions. Each vertebra is shaped like an odd Mardi Gras mask when viewed from the top.

What does the C1 vertebra control?

The C1 vertebrae is named atlas and the C2 vertebrae is named axis. As well as protecting the spinal cord, these vertebrae are primarily responsible for facilitating and controlling the large range of movement that your neck has, and supporting the considerable weight of your skull at the tip of your spine.

What is the 1st cervical vertebra called?

C1 Vertebra (the atlas). The top vertebra, called the atlas, is the only cervical vertebra without a vertebral body. Instead, it is shaped more like a ring. The atlas connects to the occipital bone above to support the base of the skull and form the atlanto-occipital joint.

What is the function of the second cervical vertebra?

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.

How do the first two cervical vertebrae differ from other cervical vertebrae what are their functions?

The atlas (C1 vertebra) differs from the other cervical vertebrae in that it does not have a body, but instead consists of bony ring formed by the anterior and posterior arches. The atlas articulates with the dens from the axis.

What type of joint are the first two 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.

What does C1 and C2 do?

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 does the first cervical vertebra lack?

The atlas (C1) is the topmost vertebra, and along with the axis forms the joint connecting the skull and spine. It lacks a vertebral body, spinous process, and discs either superior or inferior to it. It is ring-like and consists of an anterior arch, posterior arch, and two lateral masses.

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

Anatomical terms of bone In anatomy, the atlas (C1) is the most superior (first) cervical vertebra of the spine and is located in the neck. It is named for Atlas of Greek mythology because, just as Atlas supported the globe, it supports the entire head.

What are the first and second cervical vertebrae called?

Overview. The cervical spine is made up of 7 vertebrae. The first 2, C1 and C2, are highly specialized and are given unique names: atlas and axis, respectively. C3-C7 are more classic vertebrae, having a body, pedicles, laminae, spinous processes, and facet joints.

What are the main features of the cervical vertebrae?

The main anatomical characteristics of a typical cervical vertebra that separate it from other types of vertebrae are the small size, transverse foramina, saddle-shaped body, and bifid spinous process (Fig.

What is a typical cervical vertebrae?

Atypical cervical vertebrae. Of the cervical vertebrae, the atlas (C1) , axis (C2) and vertebra prominens (C7) are considered atypical cervical vertebrae. The atlas (C1) lacks a body or spinous process. It has an anterior and posterior arches with lateral masses. Its superior articular surfaces articulate with the occiput at…

What first cervical vertebra which supports the head is called?

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. C7: The last of the cervical vertebrae, C7 has an extra-long spinous process.

What are the first two vertebrae called?

The cervical spine has a lordotic shape, or a backwards “C” shape. The first two cervical vertebrae are very specialized to allow us to turn our head from side to side. The first cervical vertebra (C1) is called the atlas and is aptly named after the Greek god Altas, who carried the world on his shoulders.

What is the most cranial cervical vertebra?

The CCJ includes the occiput and the two most cranial cervical vertebrae known as the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). The subaxial spine includes the five most caudal cervical vertebrae (C3-C5). As a whole, the cervical spine is responsible for supporting the weight of the cranium and allowing motion of the head and neck.