C1-C7 (cervical vertebrae)
C1-C7 (cervical vertebrae): C1 through C7 are the symbols for the cervical (neck) vertebrae, the upper 7 vertebrae in the spinal column (the vertebral column).
C1 is called the atlas. It supports the head and is named for the Greek god Atlas who was condemned to support the earth and its heavens on his shoulders. (Because the god Atlas often adorned maps, a compilation of maps came to be known as an atlas).
C2 is called the axis because the atlas rotates about the odontoid process of C2. The joint between the atlas and axis is a pivot that allows the head to turn.
C7 is sometimes called the prominent vertebra because of the length of its spinous process (the projection off the back of the vertebral body).
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- C2 (cervical vertebra)
C2 (cervical vertebra): C2 is the symbol for the second cervical vertebra, which is also called the axis. It is so-named because the uppermost cervical vertebra (called the atlas) rotates about the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra. The joint between the axis and atlas is a pivot type of joint. It allows the […]
- C3 (cervical vertebra)
C3 (cervical vertebra): The third cervical (neck) vertebra from the top.
- C4 (cervical vertebra)
C4 (cervical vertebra): The fourth cervical (neck) vertebra from the top.
- C6 (cervical vertebra)
C6 (cervical vertebra): The sixth cervical (neck) vertebra from the top. The next-to-last of the seven cervical vertebrae.
- C5 (cervical vertebra)
C5 (cervical vertebra): The fifth cervical (neck) vertebra from the top.