The third cervical vertebra is a typical cervical vertebra with a small body, bifid spinous process, and large triangular vertebral foramen, contributing to the cervical lordosis and providing attachment for deep neck muscles.
| Articulations |
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|---|---|
| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | Three primary centres fusing by age 6, with ring apophyses at the vertebral body endplates fusing by age 25. |
C3-C7 vertebrae are typical cervical vertebrae with bifid spinous processes. Cervical disc herniation is most common at C5-C6 (C6 radiculopathy) and C6-C7 (C7 radiculopathy). The foramina transversaria of C3 through C6 transmit the vertebral arteries on each side.
Flexion-distraction forces can dislocate the facet joints of the upper subaxial spine, with a high risk of spinal cord injury.
Age-related disc and facet degeneration at the upper cervical levels can cause neck pain and, less often, nerve root or cord compression.
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