Last Updated on March 8, 2025
The cervical spine is formed by the first seven vertebrae which are named C1 to C7 and make the neck region of the spine.
Anatomically, the cervical spine starts where the top vertebra (C1) connects to the bottom of the skull.
The normal cervical spine has a lordosis. That means it is curved with convexity on the anterior aspect. It ends when C7 joins with the first thoracic vertebra.
Understanding the cervical spine anatomy is vital to understanding the various problems and abnormalities of the neck. Cervical spine anatomy is better understood by dividing it into upper and lower cervical regions.
The cervical spine connects the skull to the thoracic spine. It also functions to provide mobility and stability to the head.
Vertebrae of the Cervical Spine
The cervical spine begins with the C1 or atlas vertebra. The lower part of the skull articulates with the cervical spine via a pair of occipital condyles (under-surface facets of the occipital bone) with the atlas vertebra (C1) which in turn articulates with the axis vertebra (C2). Together these form the upper cervical spine.
Atlas Vertebra
The atlas or C1 vertebra is the first cervical vertebra of the spine. The atlas along with the Axis (C2)– forms the joint connecting the skull and spine and is specialized to allow nodding and rotation movements of the head.
Atlas has no body and appears like a ring. It consists of a thick anterior arch, a thin posterior arch, two lateral masses, and two transverse processes
The transverse foramen present in the transverse processes allows the vertebral artery to pass through it.
There are two kidney-shaped superior articular facets. They are directed upward and inward to articulate with the occipital condyles, which face downward and outward.
The inferior articular facets are relatively flat and face downward and inward to articulate with the superior facets of the axis.
Read More| Anatomy of Atlas Vertebra
Axis Vertebra
The parts of the rest of the axis vertebra are the vertebral body, pedicles, laminae, transverse processes, and superior and inferior articular processes
The odontoid process or dens is a 2 to 3-cm-long corticocancellous structure with a narrowed waist and thickened cortical tip projecting in a rostral (towards the head) direction from the vertebral body to articulate with C1.
The odontoid process articulates with the anterior arch of the atlas via its anterior articular facet and is held in place by the transverse ligament.
The odontoid rests in a recess behind the anterior arch of the atlas and the medial walls of the two lateral masses.
The superior articular surface of the axis is the cranial (towards the head) surface of the vertebral body of the axis and lies separated by a narrow osseous recess lateral to the odontoid.
The two inferior articular processes of the axis are located on the inferolateral corner of the neural arch. The transverse foramen of the axis is located in the lateral aspect of the vertebral bodies on either side.
Read More| Anatomy of Axis Vertebra
C3 to C7 Vertebrae
These lower cervical vertebrae have a relatively uniform anatomic configuration but are quite dissimilar to C1 and C2 vertebrae. Each of these vertebrae has a vertebral body that is concave on its superior surface and convex on its inferior surface. The vertebral body is larger in coronal (left to right) than its sagittal diameter (anterior to posterior).
On their superior surfaces, these vertebrae have raised processes or hooks called uncinate processes. Each uncinate process articulates with a depressed area [anvil or enchancrure] on the inferior lateral aspect of the superior vertebral body.
This joint marks the lateral extent of the vertebral body.
Intervertebral discs are present between the vertebral bodies of C2-C7. Cervical discs are thicker anteriorly and thus contribute to normal cervical lordosis.
C3-C6 vertebrae have a typical anatomical structure –
- Small body, and broader from side to side than from front to back.
- Flattened anterior and posterior surfaces
- The upper surface is concave transversely and presents a projecting lip on either side.
- The lower surface is concave from front to back and convex from side to side
- On either side laterally they have shallow concavities. These receive uncinate processes to form uncovertebral joints
- The vertebral foramen is large and of a triangular form.
- The transverse processes are each pierced by the foramen transversarium
- The transverse foramen is formed by the fusion of the transverse process and the pedicle. Transverse foramina are present consistently in the upper six vertebrae but variable in C7. Transverse foramina gives passage to the vertebral artery and vein in the upper six cervical vertebrae. In C7 it contains only a vein and a plexus of sympathetic nerves.
- Articular facets are flat in the cervical spine. Superior articular facets face backward, upward, and slightly medially. The Inferior facets are forward, downward, and slightly laterally.
- The pillar of bone between the superior and inferior articular processes is commonly referred to as the lateral mass and is important for posterior screw or wire stabilization.
- The laminae are narrow, and thinner above than below. The laminae arise from the posteromedial border of the lateral masses project posterior and toward the midline to form short, bifid spinous processes.
C7 has an enlarged spinous process called vertebra prominens. It is the most prominent structure that can be palpated when we pass our finger downwards from the skull.
Neural foramina of the cervical spine allows the exit of cervical nerves. There are 8 cervical nerves – C1 to C8.
From vertebral bodies, pedicles project from anteromedial to posterolateral direction.
Joints of Cervical Spine
Apart from atlanto-occipital joint and atlanto-axial joints, other important joints of the cervical spine are facet joints and uncovertebral joints.
Facet Joints
The facet joints are diarthrodial joints formed by superior and inferior articular processes. They are also known as the zygapophyseal articulations. The articular surfaces are angled approximately 45 degrees about the transverse axis and about 85 degrees in the sagittal plane. This orientation is important for weight transmission and prevention of anterior translation.
The fibrous capsules are well-innervated to carry proprioception and pain sensation. These may be involved in the modulation of muscle reflexes to prevent joint instability and degeneration.
The facet joints in the cervical spine are innervated by both the anterior and posterior rami of spinal nerve.
Uncovertebral Joints
Also called Luschka joints, these are small synovial articulations between C3-C7. They are located anteromedially to the nerve root and posteromedially to the vertebral artery, vein, and sympathetics in the vertebral foramen. They are formed by the uncinate process of a lower vertebra with corresponding articular rea on the undersurface of the upper vertebra.
These are rudimentary at birth and develop with age. They contribute to the motion of cervical spine as depicted in the lower diagram.
Ligaments
Ligaments provide stability to the cervical spine. The cervical spine especially the upper cervical spine is inherently unstable and therefore ligament integrity is very important in this region.
Nuchal ligament
The nuchal ligament is made by the aponeuroses of the trapezius, splenius capitis, rhomboideus minor, and serratus posterior superior muscles and extends from occipital protuberance to C7 with attachments to dorsal arch of C1 and spinous processes of C2-C7.
The nuchal ligament is a stabilizer of the cervical spine.
Ssupraspinous and Interspinous Ligament
It connects the tips of the spinal processes from C7 to L3–L4. In the cervical spine, however, the nuchal ligament is a continuation of the supraspinatus ligament.
The interspinous ligaments connect the spinous processes of the lower thoracic and lumbar spines. It is believed that in the upper thoracic spine, the interspinous ligaments are substituted by a thin layer of loose connective tissue. In the cervical region, these are thought to be underdeveloped and blended into the nuchal ligament.
Ligamentum flavum
It connects the adjacent laminae of two vertebrae. It also connects to and reinforces the facet joint capsules ventrally. These are paired ligaments, with one on each laminar side from C2 to S1. They are yellow due to high elastin content and are also called yellow ligaments.
These aid in controlling excessive flexion and anterior translation.
Anterior and Posterior Longitudinal Ligaments
Both of these run almost the entire length of the spine. The anterior longitudinal ligament is more closely adhered to the discs than the posterior.
The anterior longitudinal ligament is not that well developed in the cervical spine. It becomes the anterior atlanto-occipital membrane at the level of the atlas, whereas the posterior longitudinal ligament merges with the tectorial membrane.
The posterior longitudinal ligaments prevent excessive flexion and distraction of cervical spine.
The following ligaments are restricted to the upper cervical spine
- Anterior Atlanto-occipital membrane: It joins the upper border of the anterior arch of the atlas to the anterior inferior surface of the foramen magnum. It is a continuation of the anterior longitudinal ligament above the C1 level and lies immediately posterior to the prevertebral muscles. It limits the extension of the atlanto-occipital joint.
- Posterior Atlanto-occipital membrane: It attaches the posterior arch of the atlas to the posterior margin of the foramen magnum. It continues posteriorly with ligamentum flavum and nuchal ligament.
- The transverse ligament: connects one medial wall of the anterior third of either lateral mass of the atlas with one another dividing the vertebral canal into two, anterior for the odontoid process and posterior for the cord. It holds the odontoid process in place against the posterior atlas and prevents anterior subluxation of C1 on C2. This ligament allows rotation of the atlas on the dens and stabilizes the cervical spine during flexion, extension, and lateral bending.
- The accessory ligaments: These arise posterior to the transverse ligament and insert into the lateral aspect of the atlantoaxial joint. These become maximally taut with 5-8° of head rotation, lax with cervical spine extension, and maximally taut with 5-10° of cervical spine flexion.
- The apical ligament: It connects the bony protuberance of the basion (mid-point on the anterior margin of the foramen magnum on the occipital bone) to the superior tip of the odontoid.
- The alar ligaments: These connect the medial surface of the occipital condyles to the lateral tip of the odontoid. The paired alar ligaments secure the apex of the odontoid to the anterior foramen magnum. These prevent excessive lateral and rotational motion while allowing flexion and extension.
- Tectorial membrane: it is the continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament to the anterior margin of the foramen magnum and is composed of a deep and superficial layer.
Between the apical ligament and the deep layer of the tectorial membrane is the cruciate ligament bridging the basion and the axis body and a narrow transverse ligament, which extends between the upper ends of the lateral masses of the atlas. Posteriorly, the upper cervical spine does not have well-developed ligamentous support structures.
The atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joint capsules are additional well-defined ligamentous support structures.
Muscles of Cervical Spine
The cervical spine has many specialized muscles for the complex movements it achieves. The position of the muscles generally relates to the function of the muscles. Thus, flexors are anterior and extensors are posterior to the cervical spine, and lateral flexors, rotators are lateral.
The neck muscles are divided into three groups – anterior, posterior, and lateral.
- Anterior
- Superficial muscles: Platysma, sternocleidomastoid
- Suprahyoid muscles and infrahyoid muscles (not discussed as they do not participate in cervical motion)
- Anterior vertebral muscles: Rectus capitis anterior, rectus capitis lateralis, longus capitis, and longus colli, located anterior to cervical vertebrae and covered by prevertebral fascia. Also called prevertebral muscles
- Lateral (vertebral) muscles of the neck
- Scalene muscles: Anterior scalene, middle scalene, posterior scalene muscles
- Posterior muscles of the neck
- Superficial layer: Trapezius, splenius capitis, splenius cervicis
- Deep layer: Semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis)
- Deepest layer: Suboccipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis superior, obliquus capitis inferior)
Anterior neck muscles
Platysma
The platysma is a sheet-like muscle that lies within the subcutaneous tissue of the anterior neck, and functions mainly as a muscle of facial expression. It does not contribute to cervical motion.
Sternocleidomastoid
The sternocleidomastoid is a large, two-headed muscle of the neck.
- Origin: It originates by two heads. Sternal head- Superoanterior surface of the manubrium of the sternum and clavicular head- Superior surface of the medial third of the clavicle
- Insertion: It inserts into the lateral surface of the mastoid process and the lateral half of the superior nuchal line [a curved line on the occipital bone].
- Nerve Supply: The sternocleidomastoid muscle is supplied by the accessory nerve (also called the eleventh cranial nerve) and the anterior rami of spinal nerves C2-C3.
- Action: Sternocleidomastoid is an external rotator and extensor of the head. It also flexes the cervical spine (neck). Unilateral action causes lateral flexion of the neck on the same side and lateral rotation of the head to the opposite side.
Bilateral contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscles produces flexion of the neck, drawing the head towards the chest. When the head and neck are fixed, the sternocleidomastoid can also elevate the sternum and clavicle during forced inspiration.
Rectus capitis anterior
The rectus capitis is a short strap muscle that arises from the anterior surface of the lateral mass of the atlas (C1 vertebra) and inserts on the basilar part of the occipital bone, anterior to the foramen magnum.
The innervation of this muscle comes from the anterior rami of spinal nerves C1 and C2, while its blood supply is provided by branches of the vertebral and ascending pharyngeal arteries.
The function of the rectus capitis anterior is to flex the head at the atlanto-occipital joint, as well as to stabilize this joint.
Rectus Capitus Lateralis
The rectus capitis lateralis originates from the upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas. The muscle is inserted into the undersurface of the jugular process of the occipital bone.
This muscle bends the head laterally and is supplied by C2, and C3 rami.
Longus capitis
This long flat muscle arises from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C3-C6 vertebrae. It converges towards its opposite counterpart and inserts on the inferior surface of the basilar part of the occipital bone.
Longus capitus is innervated by a branch of the cervical plexus [C1-C3]. Longus capitis flexes the head when acting bilateral. It acts as a lateral rotator of the neck in unilateral action.
Longus Colli Cervicis
It is a paired muscle on the anterior aspect of the cervical spine that spans the entire length of the cervical spine.
It originates from
- Anterior tubercles of transverse processes of vertebrae C3-C5 [superior part]
- Anterior surface of bodies of vertebrae C5-T3 [Intermediate part]
- Anterior surface of bodies of vertebrae T1-T3 [inferior part]
Insertion is
- Superior part- anterior tubercle of vertebra C1
- Intermediate part- anterior surface of bodies of vertebrae C2-C4
- Inferior part: Anterior tubercles of transverse processes of vertebrae C5-C6
Longus colli cervicis is a flexor of the cervical spine. It is supplied by the anterior rami of spinal nerves C2-C6
Lateral Neck Muscles
These are also called the lateral vertebral muscles. These muscles pass obliquely along the lateral sides of the neck and thus produce ipsilateral flexion of the neck. Lateral Vertebral muscles consist of anterior, middle, and posterior scalene muscles. Scalenus muscles are flexors and rotators of the cervical spine.
Scalenus Anterior
It is the most anterior of the scalene muscles.
It arises from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3-C6 and inserts onto the scalene tubercle and the superior border of the first rib.
Nerve supply is by the anterior rami of the spinal nerves C4-C6.
With fixed ribs, bilateral anterior scalene contraction leads to neck flexion.
Contraction just of one side of the scale muscle causes lateral flexion of the neck to the same side.
It can also cause elevation of the first rib when the vertebral column is fixed. This action is seen in forced respiration.
Middle Scalene or Scalenus Medius Muscle
It is the largest of the scalene muscles.
It originates from the transverse processes of C1 and C2, and the posterior tubercles of transverse processes of the vertebrae C3-C7. It passes posterolaterally to insert onto the superior border of the first rib.
The nerve supply is from the anterior rami of C3-C8.
It is a lateral flexor of the neck and causes ipsilateral flexion of the neck. It also stabilizes or raises the 1st rib during forced inspiration.
Posterior scalene muscle
It is the smallest and most posterior of the scalene muscles.
It originates arises from the posterior tubercles of transverse processes of cervical vertebrae C4-C6.
It inserts into the external surface of the second rib after moving posterolaterally.
The nerve supply is from the anterior rami of spinal nerves C6-C8.
The action is similar to middle scalene. It flexes the neck laterally and elevates 2nd rib in forced respiration to increase the thoracic capacity
Posterior Neck Muscles
These muscles are arranged in three layers
- Superficial: Trapezius, splenius capitis, and splenius cervicis
- Deep: Semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis, multifidus cervicis (Cervical transversospinalis muscles)
- Deepest layer: suboccipital muscles, interspinales cervicis, and intertransversarii colli muscles
Many authors do not consider the erector spinae group of muscles (semispinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis) as part of any group of posterior cervical groups. Erector spinae muscles are present in the whole of the spine and act as extensors of the spine. Their contribution is considered more important in the thoracic and lumbar regions. I have discussed these muscles. Because they are superficial to the transversospinalis group, these are mostly considered in the superficial layer.
Superficial Layer
Trapezius
It is a large, flat, triangular muscle that extends over the posterior of the neck and upper thorax. Trapezius is divided into three parts
- Descending (superior fibers): These originate from the medial third of the superior nuchal line and the external occipital protuberance of the occipital bone. These pass downwards to insert onto the posterior border of the lateral third of the clavicle.
- Transverse(Middle fibers): It originates from the nuchal ligament of the spinous processes of vertebrae C1-C6, and spinous processes and supraspinous ligaments of vertebrae C7-T3. These fibers pass horizontally to insert onto the medial acromial margin and the superior crest of the scapular spine
- Ascending(Inferior Fibers): It arises from the supraspinous ligaments and spinous processes of the vertebrae T4-T12. These fibers pass upwards and laterally to insert into the lateral apex of the medial end of the scapular spine.
The trapezius muscle is innervated by the accessory nerve or cranial nerve XI.
The trapezius brings lateral flexion and contralateral rotation of the head when acting unilaterally. It causes head extension when acting bilaterally.
The trapezius muscle also acts scapula. It stabilizes and produces movements of the scapula such as elevation, depression, retraction and rotation of the scapula.
Splenius Capitis and Splenius Cervicis
The splenius capitis and splenius cervicis are part of the superficial posterior neck muscles as well as the superficial layer of deep back muscles.
The splenius capitis arises from the spinous processes of vertebrae C7-T3 and the nuchal ligament. it inserts just below the lateral superior nuchal line of the occipital bone, and the mastoid process of temporal bone.
The splenius cervicis arises from the spinous processes of vertebrae T3-T6 and inserts onto the transverse processes of vertebrae C1-C3.
The nerve supply of the splenius muscle is by the posterior rami of the middle and lower cervical spinal nerves.
Splenius muscles extend the head on bilateral contraction. Unilateral contraction produces lateral flexion and rotation of the head to the same side.
Spinalis, Longissimus and Iliocostalis Muscles (Erector Spinae Group)
The erector spinae muscles extend on either side of the vertebral column, between the base of the cranium superiorly and the pelvis inferiorly. There are three groups from medial to lateral-
- Spinalis muscle has three parts- Spinalis capitis, cervicis, and thoracis
- Longissimus muscles- Capitis, cervicis and Thoracic
- Iliocostalis muscles- Cervicis, Thoracic and Lumborum
- The function of the spinal erectors is to move the vertebral column. Bilateral contraction of these muscles extends the spine, while unilateral contraction causes lateral flexion (ipsilateral). They also help to maintain posture by steadying the spine on the pelvis during walking.
All of these muscles are spine extensors. Therefore, those present in the head and neck region act as their extensors.
Deep Layer
Cervical Transverspspinalis Muscles
The transversospinalis muscles belong to the deep layer of the intrinsic muscles of the back and comprise of the semispinalis, multifidus, and rotatores muscles. The rotatores are mainly present in the thoracic region and do not form part of the cervical transversospinalis muscles. So we consider only semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis, multifidus cervicis
Semispinalis has three parts- thoracis, cervicis, and capitis.
- Semispinalis Capitis: It arises from the Articular processes of vertebrae C4-C7, and transverse processes of vertebrae T1-T6. These unite to form tendons and insert between the superior and inferior nuchal lines of the occipital bone. It is supplied by the descending branches of the greater occipital nerve (C2) and spinal nerve C3.
- Semispinalis cervicis: Also called, semispinalis colli, it arises from the transverse processes T1-T6 vertebrae and is inserted into the spinous processes from C2 -C5. It extends & rotates the vertebral column. This muscle is supplied by medial branches of the posterior rami of spinal nerves
- Multifidus Cervicis: It arises from the articular processes of vertebrae C4-C7 and inserts onto the spinous processes of vertebrae 2-5 levels above the origin. The nerve supply is like semispinalis cervicis, via medial branches of posterior rami of spinal nerves
Cervical transversospinalis muscles extend the head and neck during bilateral contraction. On unilateral contraction, these laterally flex and rotate the head to the opposite side.
Deepest layer
It consists of suboccipital muscles, interspinales cervicis, and intertransversarii colli muscles
Suboccipital Muscles
These are named so as they lie below the occiput bone.
- Rectus Capitus Posterior Major- It originates from the spinous process of the axis and inserts onto the lateral part of the inferior nuchal line.
- Rectus Capitus Posterior Minor- It arises from the posterior tubercle of the atlas and inserts into the medial part of the inferior nuchal line.
- Obliquus Capitus Inferior- Originates from the spinous process of the C2 or the axis vertebra. It is directed laterally and slightly upward and inserts into the transverse process of the atlas.
- Obliquus Capitus Superior- Originates from the lateral mass of the atlas bone and inserts into the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone.
All these muscles are innervated by the suboccipital nerve (C1).
Suboccipital muscles of the cervical spine are mainly concerned with the maintenance of posture but can also participate in head movements.
Depending on different contraction groups they can produce extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the head at the atlanto-axial joint.
Interspinales Cervicis
It is the cervical part of the interspinales muscle group that is composed of six pairs of muscles. These originate from the C3-T1 spinous process and inserts into C2-C7 spinous process.
Each muscle spans the tips of the spinous processes of successive vertebrae.
The nerve supply is by the posterior rami of spinal nerves.
These muscles assist in the extension of the neck.
Intertransversarii Colli
It is the cervical part of intertransversarii that belongs to the deepest layer of the intrinsic back muscles.
These are anterior and posterior sets of short slips that arise from the superior border of transverse processes of vertebrae C1-T1. Each slip inserts into the inferior border of the transverse processes of the superior adjacent vertebrae.
Nerve supply is by the anterior and posterior rami of cervical spinal nerves.
These have an assistive role in lateral flexion of the head. These also stabilize the cervical spine during movement.
Cervical Spinal Cord and Nerves
The spinal cord at the craniocervical junction is located between the posterior halves of the lateral masses of the atlas and the pars interarticularis of the axis. It fills about 50% of the neural canal in the upper cervical spine.
The cervical cord is enlarged in the lateral dimension and spans 13-14 mm in this plane whereas the anteroposterior extent is 7 mm. Cerebrospinal fluid occupies an additional 1 mm and another millimeter for dura.
From the spinal cord, at each vertebral level spinal nerves exit through neural foramina to supply their respective regions.
Boundaries of neural foramen are
- Anteromedially – uncovertebral joints
- Posterolaterally – facet joints
- Superiorly – pedicle of the superior vertebra
- Inferiorly- pedicle of the lower vertebra
- Medially- Edge of the endplates and the intervertebral discs.
The foramina are largest at C2-C3. they progressively decrease in size down to C6-C7. The spinal nerve occupies about a third of the foraminal space.
The spinal nerves exit above their correspondingly numbered vertebral body from C2-C7.
The first nerve C1 is between the occiput and the atlas (C1) and the eighth nerve exists between C7 and T1.
There are many interconnections present between the sympathetic nervous system and the spinal nerve proper.
The cervical nerves control many bodily functions and sensory activities.
Each cervical nerve has two roots on each side
- Ventral or anterior root- carries motor signal
- Dorsal root or posterior root – carries sensory signal’
On each side, the ventral root and dorsal root come out of the cord separately from the spinal cord and then merge together in the intervertebral foramen to form spinal nerve. Spinal nerve further branches into a network of nerves to carry sensory and motor signals.
These spinal nerves control different parts of the body based on the spinal level from where they originate. the common pattern of function distribution among different levels of spinal cord are.
- C1, C2, and C3: These control the head and neck movements. C1 has no sensory distribution. C2 carries sensation for the upper part of the head, and the C3 dermatome covers the side of the face and back of the head.
- C4: It controls upward shoulder movements and also supplies motor input to the diaphragm. it also receives sensations from parts of the neck, shoulders, and upper part of arms.
- C5: It supplies deltoid, biceps for motor function and covers the outer part of the upper arm down to about the elbow.
- C6: It supplies the wrist extensors and bicpes. It receives sensory signals from the thumb side of the hand and forearm.
- C7: It supplies triceps muscle and wrist extensor muscles. The sensory area is the back of the arm and into the middle finger.
- C8: It controls the motor function of the hand and sensation from the ulnar side of the forearm and hand.
Blood supply of Cervical Spine
The vertebral arteries emerge from the transverse foramina of the vertebral body of the axis in a cranial direction lateral to the pars interarticularis and atlantoaxial joints.
The vertebral arteries pass through the foramen magnum to become the basilar artery.
Before they unite to form the basilar artery, each vertebral arteries give off a branch that unites with its counterpart to form the anterior spinal artery which travels down the spinal cord through the anterior sulcus of the spinal cord.
The posterior spinal arteries either can originate from the posterior inferior cerebellar artery or branch from the pre-atlantal vertebral arteries. There are two posterior spinal arteries, one on each side. These also travel caudally down the spinal cord but through the two posterior sulci.
The anterior spinal artery provides blood to the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord and the rest is by the posterior.
The mid-cervical spinal cord receives vascular supply by segmental medullary arteries coming from directly off the vertebral artery.
Nerve Supply of Cervical Spine
The atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joints are supplied by the anterior rami of the first and second cervical spinal nerves.
Facet joints are supplied both by anterior and posterior rami. Each facet joint is innervated by the medial branches above and below.
Movements of Cervical Spine
Movements of cervical spine are flexion, extension, lateral flexion and lateral rotation. These have been discussed separately.
Read about Movements of Cervical Spine
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