The cervical vertebrae are different from the other vertebrae in the human body: because this area of the spine must meet special requirements, the design of some cervical vertebrae is also special – among the vertebrae of the cervical spine are truly unique. The cervical spine is very mobile, but also sensitive. External influences can have far-reaching consequences.
What are cervical vertebrae
The seven cervical vertebrae in humans make up the cervical spine (C-spine). This connects the head to the trunk. If a person is healthy, the cervical spine bends slightly forward; in technical language, this circumstance is called “physiological lordosis“. The first cervical vertebra supports the skull, and after the seventh cervical vertebra the thoracic spine begins. In medicine, the cervical vertebrae are also known as C1 to C7. The cervical vertebrae ensure that a person can turn, bend, tilt to the side and stretch the head. Responsible for this mechanics, is on the one hand the neck musculature – whereby the back musculature also has its part in it – and on the other hand the range of motion, which the intervertebral joints make possible.
Anatomy and structure
Some of the cervical vertebrae are so special that they have been given proper names. The first cervical vertebra is called the “atlas” in anatomy. The skull rests on it. This circumstance also leads to the naming by the namesake from Greek mythology. For just as the Greek Atlas carries the world on his shoulders, the first cervical vertebra supports the human head. The second cervical vertebra of the Axis also has a special design – it is closely related to the first cervical vertebra. Together, the atlas and axis form the upper cervical joint. The atlas, which resembles a ring, has no vertebral body itself. Instead, the axis has a tooth, which the atlas encompasses. These two unique vertebrae are followed by the remaining five cervical vertebrae. Except for these two, all other cervical vertebrae correspond in structure to that of a normal vertebra – that is, there is a vertebral body, a vertebral arch that includes the spinal cord, a spinous process, two transverse processes and four articular processes are also present. A special characteristic can also be identified for the 7th cervical vertebra. It is known as the vertebra prominens, which means “prominent vertebra”. Its spinous process protrudes further from the spinal column than is usual for the rest of the vertebrae. Because of this feature, the 7th cervical vertebra is considered a landmark on the spine. Its special shape makes it both easy to see and easy to feel.
Function and tasks
The upper cervical joint, which consists of the atlas and axis, enables a person to nod and turn their head due to its design. The appearance is individual; in function, there are no differences from other vertebrae. There are intervertebral discs between all vertebrae, and the cervical vertebrae are no exception. An important function of the vertebrae is that they provide protection for the blood and nervous systems. The transverse processes of the cervical spine enclose a hole through which the arteriae vertebrales (vertebral artery) flows into the head on both sides. In combination with the carotid arteries, this ensures blood supply to the brain. The vertebral arch and vertebral body form a vertebral hole that encloses the spinal cord. In addition, two adjacent vertebrae each form an intervertebral hole through which the spinal nerves emerge from the spinal cord. In the cervical spine, this involves eight nerve cords, although there are only seven vertebrae – this is another peculiarity of the cervical spine, because as a rule the number of spinal nerves always corresponds to the number of vertebrae. The spinal nerves of the cervical spine are responsible for the neck, the cervical muscles, for the diaphragm and breathing, the chest and arm muscles and the sensitivity of the respective associated skin. Damage in the area from C4 onwards would result in the person no longer being able to move their arms. And if the nerve damage is even further up the cervical spine (C1-C4), then the affected person would no longer be able to breathe independently.
Diseases and complaints
Problems and limitations that originate in the cervical spine are collectively referred to as cervical spine syndrome. Typical symptoms include neck pain, tension, and muscle stiffness, which, depending on severity, can also affect arm function.The head area may also be affected by cervical spine syndrome with headache, nausea, dizziness, visual disturbances and hearing problems. Neurological abnormalities include: Tingling, numbness, and in the worst cases, paralysis. The cause of the syndrome is differentiated between acute and chronic. Acute HSW syndromes occur due to drafts, during overuse (postural deformities or too much physical activity) and due to injuries. Whiplash following a traffic accident is a typical example of acute cervical spine syndrome. If cervical spine syndromes are chronic, the cause is a degenerative change in the cervical vertebra. Conceivable in this context are changes in the intervertebral discs, scoliosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Scheuermann’s disease, Bechterew’s disease and metabolic disorders such as osteoporosis. Fatal effects can result from a fracture of a cervical vertebra. Massive injuries to the spinal cord lead to paraplegia, which affects the person’s respiratory function in this area. Therefore, the first measure in case of instability in the neck area is always the application of a cervical spine splint, which fixes the cervical spine. Mild acute problems of the cervical spine, resulting from tension and popularly known as “stiff neck“, usually subside on their own after a few days.
