There are seven bones, each called a cervical vertebra, that are stacked upon one another.

Atypical Vertebrae

The atypical vertebrae are cervical level one and two (C1 and C2).

Cervical one is also called the atlas, as it supports the weight of your skull.

Both the atlas and axis are small, flat vertebrae.

The atlas at cervical level one is a flat, ring-shaped vertebra.

It does not have a vertebral body.

The flat area on its superior surface supports your skull.

This bony odontoid process passes up through the ring-like atlas vertebrae and forms the atlantoaxial joint.

This is where about 50% to 60% of cervical rotation occurs.

Small ligaments attach the odontoid process to the atlas.

The vertebral body is the large cylindrical bone towards the front of the vertebra.

It supports the load of the skull and vertebrae above it.

The intervertebral disc attaches to the vertebral body.

The arch of each vertebra is made up of two pedicles and two laminae.

The pedicles arise from the vertebral body and wrap around the back to the laminae.

The laminae on each side of the vertebra attach in the back to form the spinous process.

The arch forms the ring of bone that protects your spinal cord.

The facet joints of each cervical vertebra provide an articulation point for the bone above and below it.

The seventh cervical vertebra is slightly different from cervical levels three through six.

There should be aslight forward curvein your neck when the seven cervical vertebrae are stacked upon one another.

This curve is called lordosis.

Loss of the lordosis may signify spinal muscle spasm or problems with the discs between each cervical vertebra.

Function

The main function of the cervical vertebrae is to protect your spinal cord.

The seven bones stacked upon one another form a bony tunnel for your spinal cord to travel through.

These nerves traverse through your shoulder and down to your arm and hand.

The cervical vertebrae also work to allow for maximal motion to occur.

The joints of the vertebra allow for flexion, extension, and side bending.

This allows you to move your head freely in many different directions.

Another important function of your cervical vertebrae is to protect blood vessels that provide circulation to your brain.

The bony cervical vertebrae protect this vital blood vessel.

The cervical vertebrae also provide an attachment point for many muscles in your shoulders and trunk.

But they are also subjected to possible injury that may cause pain or loss of mobility in your neck.

Cervical stenosis may cause a serious condition called cervical myelopathy where your cervical vertebra presses upon your spinal cord.

This may cause pain, tingling in your arms or legs, or loss of balance while walking.

If you are experiencing neck pain or difficulty moving your head, visit your physician right away.

They can examine you and diagnose your condition.

Then you’ve got the option to begin regaining normal pain-free mobility.

You may require more invasive treatments such as spinal injections or surgery.

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