Spine · Irregular bone
Cervical Vertebrae (Neck)
The cervical vertebrae are the seven bones of the neck. They support the head, allow it to move in all directions, and protect the top of the spinal cord.
What it is
The cervical vertebrae are the seven smallest, most mobile vertebrae at the top of the spine, including the specialised atlas and axis.
Where it is
The neck, from the base of the skull to the shoulders.
What it does
Support and move the head, allow the neck's wide range of motion, and protect the upper spinal cord and the arteries that supply the brain.
Connections
Joints and connections
- Joints with the skull, each other, and the first thoracic vertebra
When things go wrong
Common injuries and conditions
- Neck pain (very common)
- Whiplash injury
- Cervical disc problems and "trapped nerves"
- Cervical spine fracture (serious)
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms; it is not a diagnosis. A severe injury, a visibly deformed limb, or the inability to move or bear weight needs urgent assessment — call 999 or go to A&E for a serious injury.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
Almost all mammals — including giraffes — have exactly seven cervical vertebrae; they are just much larger in the giraffe.
Answers
Cervical Vertebrae: frequently asked questions
How many bones are in the neck?
The neck has seven cervical vertebrae, the top two of which (atlas and axis) are specially shaped to support and turn the head.
Explore the spine
Related bones
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students (Drake, Vogl, Mitchell)
- TeachMeAnatomy — skeletal system
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