How many vertebrae are present in the cervical spine?

The cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae, designated as C1 through C7. These vertebrae are crucial for providing structural support to the head and protecting the spinal cord while allowing for a wide range of motion, such as rotation and bending of the neck.

Each cervical vertebra plays a specific role in mobility and stability, contributing to the overall function of the neck. The first two vertebrae, known as the atlas and axis, are particularly specialized to allow the head to nod and rotate. The total of seven vertebrae is a defining characteristic of the cervical region in the human spine, making it distinct from other regions, such as the thoracic spine, which contains twelve vertebrae, and the lumbar spine, which has five.

Understanding the structure of the cervical spine is essential for diagnosing and treating various neck-related conditions in chiropractic practice.