Cervical Spine

Description

Arranged in superior to inferior sequence, the cervical vertebrae from C2 through C6 are presented with intervertebral discs interposed between adjacent vertebral bodies, emphasizing the expected caudal increase in vertebral body size toward the cervicothoracic junction. Posterior to each body, the vertebral arch formed by pedicles and laminae encloses the vertebral foramen, creating the cervical segment of the vertebral canal. Laterally, the transverse processes project on each side with their transverse foramina positioned anterolateral to the articular pillars, while the superior and inferior articular facets define the zygapophysial joints. One vertebra is color-highlighted to isolate its morphology and landmarks. A clean bony view. Teaching and clinical work both benefit from this mid-cervical focus because C3 to C6 is the segment most often referenced for cervical spondylosis patterns, disc herniation level nomenclature, and foraminal stenosis affecting the exiting nerve roots. Appreciating how the uncovertebral margins of the vertebral bodies relate to the intervertebral discs and adjacent facet joints helps explain why osteophytes can narrow the intervertebral foramina and produce radicular pain. The transverse foramina are another practical landmark, framing the course of the vertebral artery and shaping the safety corridor during an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Use this illustration in gross anatomy and musculoskeletal courses when introducing typical cervical vertebrae, and in neurosurgery or orthopedic teaching files for correlating disc level, facet orientation, and canal anatomy with lateral radiographs, CT, or sagittal MRI. It also fits well in patient education handouts that need a disciplined, level-by-level cervical spine model without distracting soft tissues. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.