Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)

Cervical vertebrae (C1–C7)

Vertebrae cervicales (C1–C7)

Origin

Atlas (C1), Axis (C2 with dens), and subaxial vertebrae C3–C7; articulate with occiput and thoracic spine

Insertion

Attachment site for deep suboccipital muscles, scalenes, levator scapulae, trapezius, and splenius cervicis

Function

Supports the head, protects cervical spinal cord and vertebral arteries running through transverse foramina

Innervation

Anterior and posterior rami of cervical spinal nerves (C1–C8)

Movement & chain

Most mobile region of vertebral column: flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation (C1-C2 accounts for 50% of rotation)

Palpation

C7 spinous process (vertebra prominens) palpable at base of neck; C2 spinous process palpable suboccipitally

Clinical

Whiplash injury; cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy into the upper limb; odontoid dens fractures; cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Segmental innervation

C1–C8

In clinical practice

C-spine immobilization protocol in trauma life support until radiographically cleared

Region in the model

Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)