transverse process of cervical vertebrae

When contracted, the scalenes cause the first and second ribs to elevate and the neck to bend to the side. Scalenes: The scalenes are a group of three muscles (anterior, middle, and posterior scalene) that connect the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae in the neck to the first and second ribs.The longissimus is the largest of the erector spinae muscles and helps extend the head and spine and bend them to the side. Longissimus: The longissimus is another one of the three vertically oriented muscles, collectively referred to as the erector spinae muscles, that run up and down the spine throughout the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions.The iliocostalis is the most laterally located of the erector spinae muscles and helps extend the head and spine and bend them to the side. Iliocostalis: The iliocostalis is one of three vertically oriented muscles, collectively referred to as the erector spinae muscles, that run up and down the spine throughout the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions.Rotatores: The rotatores are the deepest of all the muscles throughout the entire spine and provide stability, rotate the spine, and assist with spinal extension.The facet complex is surrounded by a watertight synovial capsule, much like the small joints in the fingers that allow for smooth movement. The pair that faces downward is the inferior articular facet. The pair that faces upward is the superior articular facet.

Facet JointsĮach vertebra has a paired joint on its right side and a second paired joint on its left side, allowing a connection with the vertebrae above and below it. In the lower back it not only contains the spinal cord, it also contains the nerve roots of the lower spine. It is made up of the front (anterior) of the vertebral body, the pedicles on the sides of the vertebral body and the lamina in the back. The transverse foramina form the passageway through which the vertebral artery ascends to enter the cranium bilaterally. The spinal canal is a bony tunnel surrounding the spinal cord. They may impair exiting nerve roots and cause pain. If present in the cervical spine they occur at the lowest level (C7) and are called a cervical rib. They provide a place for the back muscles to attach to the spine.įor the most part, these are absent in the vertebra of the neck (the cervical spine). The transverse processes are located at right angles to the junction of pedicles and the lamina. Transverse fractures and oblique fractures are both types of bone fractures that create a straight break across your bone’s width. Sometimes these processes are absent or bifid in the cervical spine. Transverse process fractures can happen along any part of your spine, but they’re most common in your lower back (your lumbar spine). Each spinous process is attached to the spinous process above and below it by ligaments. They are bony projections that arise at right angles (perpendicular) to the midline of the lamina. The bumps that can be felt down the back are the spinous processes. The lamina is is the roof of the spinal canal that provides support and protection for the backside of the spinal cord. The pedicles also serve as a bridge, joining the front and back parts of the vertebra. PediclesĮach vertebra has two cylinder-shaped projections (pedicles) of hard bone that stick out from the back part of the vertebral body, providing side protection for the spinal cord and nerves. Both the vertebral body and the discs increase in size from the head to the sacrum.

The front or anterior section of the vertebral body protects the spinal cord and nerve roots. It bears about 80 percent of the load while standing and provides an attachment for the discs between the vertebrae. The vertebral body is the main portion of the vertebra. Each vertebra is composed of several parts that act as a whole to surround and protect the spinal cord and nerves, provide structure to the body and enable fluid movement in many planes. The adult spine is made up of approximately 24 bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other from the bottom of the skull to the pelvis.

Transverse process of cervical vertebrae