APPLIED RADIOLOGICAL ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The cervical spine, comprised of seven cervical vertebrae referred to as C1 to C7, is divided into two major segments: the craniocervical junction (CCJ) and the subaxial spine. The CCJ includes the occiput and the two most cephalad cervical vertebrae, known as the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2).

Detailed explanation-2: -The neck is part of a long flexible column, known as the spinal column or backbone, which extends through most of the body. The cervical spine (neck region) consists of seven bones (C1-C7 vertebrae), which are separated from one another by intervertebral discs.

Detailed explanation-3: -The vertebrae (back bones) of the spine include the cervical spine (C1-C7), thoracic spine (T1-T12), lumbar spine (L1-L5), sacral spine (S1-S5), and the tailbone. Each vertebra is separated by a disc. The vertebrae surround and protect the spinal cord.

Detailed explanation-4: -In the cervical segments, there are 7 cervical vertebrae and 8 cervical nerves (Figure 3.2). C1-C7 nerves exit above their vertebrae whereas the C8 nerve exits below the C7 vertebra. It leaves between the C7 vertebra and the first thoracic vertebra.

Detailed explanation-5: -The C7 represents the bottom of the cervical spine and connects with the top of the thoracic spine, T1, to form the cervicothoracic junction, also referred to as C7-T1. Thus, the C7 marks the level of transition from the dynamic cervical segment to the relatively inflexible thoracic segment of the vertebral column (1).