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To understand cervical spine surgery, it is important to know about neck anatomy,
conditions, and surgical goals and techniques. Cervical anatomy begins below.
However, you can skip to parts 2 or 3 by clicking on the following links.
Part 1. Cervical anatomy
Part 2.
Cervical degenerative conditions
Part 3:
Cervical surgery options
Part 1. Basic Anatomy of the Neck
Bones
Doctors refer to the bones of the neck as the cervical spine. The cervical spine
contains 7 bones, called the cervical vertebrae. These bones are stacked on
top of one another and linked by discs, ligaments, and muscles. The vertebrae
are numbered C1 through C7. The first vertebra, C1, is also called the atlas
because it joins with the base of the skull and supports the head. C2, the second
vertebra, is called the axis because the head and C1 swivel around it. These
two vertebrae enable most neck movement.
The vertebrae below C2 are only referred to by number; however, all of them
have the same basic structure including:
- The vertebral body - a cube-shaped bone
- Lateral masses - small columns of dense bone on the sides of the vertebral
bodies
- Facet joints - smooth areas lined with cartilage
- Lamina - a thin semi-circle like arch of bone behind the vertebral body
Spinal Cord and Nerves
The spinal cord runs through the cervical spine. It is protected in front by
the vertebral bodies and behind by the lamina. Nerves that control arm function
branch-off from the spinal cord in the cervical spine. The nerves exit the cervical
spine through small holes called foramina.
The Discs
Starting at C2-C3, an intervertebral disc sits between each vertebra.
Intervertebral discs are pillow-like structures, with a tough outer ring, and
a dense jelly-like center. Discs perform two important functions:
- They act as shock absorbers between the vertebral bodies
- They function as flexible pivots to help provide motion between the vertebrae
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