Individual Characteristics

Atlas ( 1st Cervical Vertebra )

The main difference between this and the other vertebrae is that it does not have a body.

In addition, this vertebra has other structures:

• Anterior Arch – forms about 1/5 of the ring.
• anterior tuber
• Dental Fovea – articulates with the Axis Tooth (odontoid process)
• Posterior Arch – forms about 2/5 of the ring.
• posterior tubercle
• Lateral Masses – bulkier and more solid parts of the atlas and support the weight of the head.
• Superior Articular Face – articulates with the occipital condyles.
• Inferior Articular Face – articulates with the superior articular processes of the 2nd cervical vertebra (Axis).
• Transverse Processes – the transverse foramina are found.

ATLAS - TOP VIEW

Source: NETTER, Frank H.. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2nd edition Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000.

ATLAS - BOTTOM VIEW

Source: NETTER, Frank H.. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2nd edition Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000.

Axis ( 2nd Cervical Vertebra )

It presents a strong bony process called Tooth (Odontoid Process) that is located superiorly and articulates with the anterior arch of the Atlas.

AXIS – BACK VIEW

Source: NETTER, Frank H.. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2nd edition Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000.

AXIS - BACK VIEW

Source: NETTER, Frank H.. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2nd edition Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000.

7th Cervical Vertebra (Prominent Vertebra)

* Long and prominent spinous process.

SEVENTH CERVICAL VERTEBRA (C7) - TOP VIEW

Source: NETTER, Frank H.. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2nd edition Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000.

12th Thoracic Vertebrae

* Single thoracic vertebra with inferior articular processes lateralized.

Twelfth Thoracic (T12) - SIDE VIEW

Source: NETTER, Frank H.. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2nd edition Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000.