Vertebrae (C3 - C7)
Spaces
Vertebral foramen and canal
(L. an aperature)
They are not specifically segmented but the spinal cord passes through the foramen of each cervical vertebra and the canal is formed by the foramen of all vertebrae (except the coxygeal).
function - houses the spinal cord
Vertebral notches (indentation at the edge of a bone)
In the Dissection Area, observe the cord through the notch. Spinal nerve C5 is exiting through the C5 vertebral notch.
function - transmits spinal nerves and radicular vessels. Spinal nerve C5 is exiting through the C4-C5 intervertebral foramen.
Neural arch
Pedicle
(L. pediculus, foot)
Transverse process (bony projection)
attachments - longus capitis, longus coli, scalenus anterior,
scalenus medius, scalenus posterior and semispinalis capitis muscles
Transverse foramen
function -
transmits the vertebral artery and vein
Superior articular process
Superior articular facet
function - articulates with adjacent vertebra
Inferior articular process
Inferior articular facet
function - articulates with adjacent vertebra
Lamina
(L. plate, leaf)
Spinous process
attachments - splenius capitis and
semispinalis cervicis muscles