Cervical Spine Biomechanics
The characteristic feature of all cervical vertebrae is the existence of a foramen transversarium in each transverse process (Click here). Cervical vertebrae tend to be small since they are not required to carry much weight. C1 and C2 are considered to be atypical, because they lack a vertebral body and intervertebral disk. However, because of the relationship between the superior aspect of C2 to the atlas (as well as to the occiput through ligamentous and muscular attachments), C2 functions as a transitional element that can be considered to be atypical at its superior aspect and typical at its inferior aspect.
Cervical vertebrae C3 through C7 are considered to be typical. They each have a vertebral body and are interconnected through intervertebral disks that help to distribute and absorb loading forces. Because of the orientation of the apophyseal joints (facing backward and upward at an angle of approximately 45 degrees), the wedge-shape of the intervertebral disks, and the morphology of the vertebral body (the superior surface is convex anteriorly and concave laterally, while the the inferior surface is concave anteriorly and convex laterally) cervical sidebending is always accompanied by cervical rotation to the same side (Click here to view this example of Type II motion mechanics).
Join Dr. Philip E. Greenman, D.O., F.A.A.O., as he presents an overview of the cervical spine.
