Why are cervical vertebrae bifid?

The spinous process

What is unique about the cervical vertebrae?

Typical cervical vertebrae have several features distinct from those typical of thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. The most notable distinction is the presence of one foramen, in each transverse process. These transverse foramina encircle the vertebral arteries and veins.

In which vertebrae is the spinous process bifid? Cervical Vertebrae A typical cervical vertebra has a small body, a bifid spinous process, transverse processes that have a transverse foramen and are curved for spinal nerve passage.

Which cervical vertebra is not bifid?

Bony anatomy of the lower cervical spine from C3 to C6 is similar. They have bifid spinous processes and project posteriorly and inferiorly. But the spinous process of C7 is not bifid and large.

Are all cervical spinous processes bifid?

Typically, cervical vertebrae display bifid spinous processes. Nevertheless, this feature may vary both between subjects and even within the vertebrae of the same individual.

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

In anatomy, the axis (from Latin axis, “axle”) or epistropheus, is the second cervical vertebra (C2) of the spine, immediately posterior to the atlas, upon which the head rests. The axis’ defining feature is its strong odontoid process (bony protrusion) known as the dens, which rises dorsally from the rest of the bone.

What is the main function of the cervical vertebrae?

The cervical spine functions as bony protection of the spinal cord as it exits the cranium. Despite the presence of seven cervical vertebrae, there are eight pairs of cervical nerves, termed C1 to C8. C1 through C7 exit the spine cranially to its associated vertebrae, while C8 exits caudally to C7.

Which vertebra has an Odontoid process?

The odontoid process (also dens or odontoid peg) is a protuberance (process or projection) of the Axis (second cervical vertebra). It exhibits a slight constriction or neck, where it joins the main body of the vertebra.

What are the 4 types of vertebrae?

Vertebrae are the 33 individual bones that interlock with each other to form the spinal column. The vertebrae are numbered and divided into regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx (Fig. 2). Only the top 24 bones are moveable; the vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx are fused.

Which vertebra has longest spinous process?

In humans the seventh cervical vertebra tends to have the longest spinous processes (and is therefore often called the “vertebra prominens”).

What does each cervical vertebrae control?

C1, C2, and C3 (the first three cervical nerves) help control the head and neck, including movements forward, backward, and to the sides. The C2 dermatome handles sensation for the upper part of the head, and the C3 dermatome covers the side of the face and back of the head. (C1 does not have a dermatome.)

Does cervical vertebrae have Centrum?

Cervical vertebrae may have transverse foramina, which perforate the bases of the transverse processes. Typical skull motions on the atlas are up-and-down and side-to-side. The axis has an elongated centrum, the dens, which extends into the large neural canal of the atlas.

Why are there 8 cervical nerves and only 7 cervical vertebrae?

Because there are only seven cervical vertebrae, the first seven cervical nerves exit above the same numbered cervical vertebrae. The eighth cervical nerve exits above the T1 vertebrae, and the rest of the spinal nerves (T2 to L5) exit below their same numbered vertebrae.

What is the articular pillar of cervical spine?

In the cervical vertebral column, the articular processes collectively form the articular pillars. These are the bony surfaces palpated just lateral to the spinous processes.

Where are bifid spinous processes found?

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.

Can you feel spinous process?

A spinous process is the thin, bony projection that extends off the back of each vertebrae. If you run your hand down your back, you can feel the spinous processes.

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