Cervical vertebrae
Vertebrae cervicales
Definition
The cervical vertebrae are the vertebrae of the neck, immediately below the skull.
The first cervical vertebra, called the atlas, supports the skull by articulating with the occipital bone. The second is called the axis, together they allow the movement of the head. Therefore, they differ considerably in structure from the other vertebrae.
Almost all mammals have 7 cervical vertebrae.
References
Barone R. Anatomie comparée des mammifères domestiques, Tome 2, Arthrologie et myologie, 4th edition, Vigot, Paris, 2017.
Constantinescu GM, Schaller O. Illustrated veterinary anatomical nomenclature, 3rd Edition, Enke Verlag, Stuttgart, 2012.
