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cervical vertebra |
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cervical vertebra, one of the first seven segments of the vertebral column. They differ from the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae through the presence of a vertical costotransverse foramen in each transverse process. The first cervical vertebra (atlas) has no body, supports the head, and contains a smooth, oval facet for articulation with the dens of the second cervical vertebra. The dens extends from the cranial portion of the body of the second cervical vertebra (axis), which has a very large, strong spinous process with a bifid extremity. The seventh cervical vertebra has a very long, prominent spinous process that is nearly horizontal and is often used as a palpable reference for locating the other cervical vertebrae. The bodies of the four remaining cervical vertebrae are small, oval, and broader than the other three in transverse diameter and contain large, triangular foramina within their transverse processes. Their spinous processes are short and bifid. Compare coccygeal vertebra, lumbar vertebra, sacral vertebra, thoracic vertebra. See also vertebra. Patient discussion about cervical vertebra. Q. I have hurt my cervical spine and shoulder in a rear end car crash in July. Why does it still hurt? A. Spine and back injuries are known to to be causing a lot of pain and discomfort and for a long period of time. You should try and do some mellow exercise and physiotherapy that might help you a lot. If the pain is unbarable, you should consult your doctor about using pain medications. Read more or ask a question about cervical vertebraHow to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (figure 1) of the cervical region showed an ossified, heterogenous, and well-demarcated mass in front of the second cervical vertebra at the right side of the midline, close to the vertebral and internal carotid arteries. After some inspection, Andres realized the reptile's first cervical vertebra was dislodged. The points of reference consisting of the lobe of the ear, the seventh cervical vertebra, the acromial process, the greater trochanter, just anterior to midline of the knee, and slightly anterior to the lateral malleolus form a theoretical line around which the body is balanced in perfect skeletal alignment, yielding equal weight distribution and maximum joint stability. |
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