Chracters peculiar to the vertebra of each region or class

Cervical vertebrae

The cervical vertebrae are seven in number; they are smaller than those in the other regions, which results from the size of the body and processes being less than that of the corresponding- parts in the dorsal and lumbar classes. The vertebral foramen 2 is of a triangular form, and larger proportionally than in the other classes. The body, 1 elongated transversely, is thicker anteriorly than posteriorly; for the under and fore part of each dips down a little. The upper surface is broader than the under one; and is rendered concave from side to side, by two little plates, which project upwards from its lateral margins. The lower surface is slightly convex, and rounded off at the sides. The superior articular processes, 7 are flat and oblique in their direction, so as to look backwards and upwards, whilst the inferior 8 incline downwards and forwards. It is only in the cervical vertebra that these processes can be fitly named "oblique." The articular surfaces are supported on rounded and elongated little masses or pillars of bone. The transverse processes, 5 short, and bifid at their extremities present a deep groove superiorly, 3 tor the transmission of the nerves, and at their base a foramen, through which in most of them the vertebral artery passes. It will be observed, that these processes have two roots or points of connection with the vertebra. The posterior one springs from the junction of the pedicle with the arch, and therein corresponds with the transverse processes in the back and loins. The anterior one is attached to the side of the body of the vertebra, and ranges with the ribs, of which it is a rudiment. The formation of the foramen can, from these facts, be readily indicated. The osseous points, which here represent the ribs, not being required for any special purpose, remain in their rudimentary condition, and merely incline backwards, so as to become anchylosed with the true transverse processes which lie behind them. They thus enclose a space, viz., the foramen, which, however, cannot be said to be intended to lodge the vertebral vessels, as it exists in the seventh cervical vertebra, through which they rarely pass, and in the sixth and fifth in those cases in which the artery enters the fourth. The spinous process 4 is short, projects horizontally backwards, and is bifid at its extremity. The plates, or laminae, are narrower and longer than in the other regions.

The notches are deeper and larger in the upper than in the lower border of the pedicles, in all except the second. They lie behind the articular processes in the first, but before them in the rest.