2. Body
There are 7 cervical vertebrae that are labeled C1 to C7 and they form the cervical spine from the base of the skull up the top
of the shoulders.
• The CV provides support to the weight of the head, surround and protects the spinal cord and allows for a range of head
motions with the help of facet joints which connects the various vertebra together.
• C1 and C2 form a unit pair of articulations that give a very good mobility to the skull
• C1 is also called the atlas and it is the only vertebrae that has no body. It is ring shaped and it connects to the occipital
bone at the base of the skull for maximum support and forms the atlanto-occipital joint.
• The C2 is also called the axis. It permits the rotation from side to side of the atlas which in turns allows you to rotate your
head.
• C3 to C7 are more classic vertebrae that have a body, Pericles, laminae, spinous processes and fact joints.
Basically, the Cervical vertebrae allows for head movement forward, backwards and side wards and it is essential for neck
motion.
