Cervical vertebra

The cervical vertebrae support the neck.

Location of the cerebral vertebrae

The cerebral vertebrae are located in the neck between the cranium and the first thoracic vertebra. They form the cervical spine.

Structure of the cervical vertebrae

There are seven cervical vertebrae (C1 to C7). The first two vertebrae (atlas, C1 and axis, C2) have specific shapes, and in particular have a triangular vertebral foramen.

Function of the cervical vertebrae

The cervical vertebrae allow the head to move:

• Tilting (moving the ear over towards the shoulder) ;
• flexion (chin on chest) ;
• extension (the reverse movement);
• rotation (the chin moving towards the shoulder).