C4 Vertebra, Anterior View

Description

Positioned in anterior view, the C4 vertebra sits between C3 superiorly and C5 inferiorly, with its vertebral body and the superior and inferior epiphyseal rims clearly defined at the cranial and caudal margins of the endplates. Lateral to the body, the paired uncinate processes rise along the superior surface, bordering the uncovertebral joints and framing the anterior aspect of the transverse processes. Short transverse processes project laterally toward the foramina transversaria, while the intervertebral discs appear as beige pads interposed between adjacent vertebral bodies. C3 to C5 are emphasized in blue against a natural bone tone. Anterior cervical anatomy at C4 matters because this segment often anchors level localization for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and for interpreting degenerative patterns that concentrate at the uncovertebral joints. Osteophytes along the uncinate processes and vertebral body rims can narrow the intervertebral foramina and contribute to C4 radiculopathy, and anterior osteophytes at this level also feature in dysphagia complaints in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. Small landmarks matter here. Use this artwork in spine anatomy teaching for medical and physical therapy curricula, in radiology correlation plates paired with lateral cervical radiographs or sagittal CT reformats, and in surgical education materials explaining mid-cervical level identification, disc space selection, and endplate preparation during ACDF. It also suits publisher needs for textbooks covering cervical spondylosis and uncovertebral joint disease. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.