Why Ist, IInd and VIIth   vertebrae are called atypical cervical vertebrae?

The  1st  2nd  and 7th vertebrae are called atypical cervical vertebrae because,

The 1st cervical vertebra has no body or spinous process. It articulates with the occipital condyles of the skull above it and with the superior articular processes of the axis below it.

The 2ndcervical vertebra has an upward projection called the dens that articulates with the inner aspect of the anterior arch of the atlas just posterior to the anterior tubercle.

The 7th cervical vertebra has the same characterizes as other typical cervical vertebra except that there is no foramen for the vertebral artery and it may not have a bifid spinous process.

 

 

More to Know: 

The 3rd 4th  5th  and 6th cervical vertebrae are known as the typical cervical vertebrae because they all have the same characteristics and except for the foramen for the vertebral artery similar to other typical vertebrae of the spinal cord.

 

  • 0
What are you looking for?