uwl-280-145
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  Cervical vertebra (superior view)

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Unit_03-15a

1. Spinous process

2. Superior articular facets

3. Vertebral foramen

4. Transverse foramina

5. Transverse processes

6. Body

             Inferior View

     Atlas (C1)

      Axis (C2)

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In humans (as in most mammals) there are seven cervical vertebrae that support the neck.  These vertebrae are distinguished from those of other regions of the spinal column by having a transverse foramen in each transverse process.  The first two cervical vertebrae are specialized for articulating with the skull.  The atlas (C1) lacks a body and spinous process, and  its superior articulating processes (facets) articulate with the occipital condyles of the skull, permitting the head movement used in nodding "yes".  The axis (C2) has a spinous process and a body called the odontoid process (dens) that protrudes into a groove on the atlas. The axis permits the rotational movement of the skull used to indicate "no".

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