Cervical Vertebrae

Cervical vertebrae are the seven vertebrae that form the neck region of the vertebral column, supporting the head while protecting the upper spinal cord. Their distinctive anatomy, including small bodies, transverse foramina, and specialized first and second vertebrae, enables coordinated movement through joints, ligaments, and intervertebral discs while allowing passage of the vertebral arteries. In biology and human anatomy, studying these structures clarifies how the neck provides flexibility, stability, and pathways for major nerves and blood vessels. Their organization is also important for understanding posture, spinal motion, and injuries such as fractures, dislocations, and cervical spinal cord compression.

Cervical Vertebrae - Related Videos

Education

JoVE Core - Anatomy and Physiology

General Structure of a Vertebra

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2025

A typical vertebra, with the exception of the sacrum and coccyx, consists of a body, a vertebral arch, and seven different projections termed processes. The anterior portion of the vertebrae, the body, supports about half the body’s weight. The vertebral bodies progressively increase in size and thickness from the cervical region to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. The intervertebral discs present between the bodies of adjacent vertebrae firmly unites them, forming a continuous column.

Research

JoVE Journal - Medicine
Free Sample

Controlled Cervical Laceration Injury in Mice

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Cited by 17 •

2013

A novel technique to create a reproducible in vivo model of cervical spinal cord laceration injury in the mouse is described. This technique is based on spine stabilization by fixation of the cervical facets and laceration of the spinal cord using an oscillating blade with an accuracy of ±0.01 mm.

A Murine Model of Cervical Spinal Cord Injury to Study Post-lesional Respiratory Neuroplasticity

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Cited by 16 •

2014

Respiratory failure is the leading cause of death following a cervical spinal cord injury. Having a reproducible, quantifiable, and reliable pre-clinical animal model of respiratory failure induced by a partial cervical injury will help to understand the subsequent respiratory and non-respiratory neuroplasticity and allow testing putative repair strategies.

Direct Reconnection of Cervical Nerves to Restore Forelimb Mobility in a Mouse

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2025

Source: Gao, Z., et al. A Mouse Model of Direct Anastomosis via the Prespinal Route for Crossing Nerve Transfer Surgery. J. Vis. Exp. (2021).This video demonstrates restoring forelimb movement in a mouse via direct cervical nerve reconnection. It begins with a mouse with a paralyzed right forelimb due to a transected right C7 nerve at its nerve root. The left C7 nerve is severed, guided to the right via the prespinal route, and sutured with the right C7 nerve. The surgical site is then cleaned...

Generation and Genetic Manipulation of Human Cervical Organoids

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2026

We present a detailed protocol to establish and genetically manipulate human cervical organoids.

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