Espiral AtlasTypical cervical vertebra (C3–C6)
vertebra cervicalis
Study entry
Parts
The smallest of the movable vertebrae. Small body, wider than deep, with a concave upper surface and raised lateral margins (uncus). Large, triangular vertebral foramen, for the cervical enlargement of the cord. Transverse processes with a transverse foramen, ending in anterior and posterior tubercles separated by the groove for the spinal nerve. Articular processes with almost horizontal facets. Short, usually bifid spinous process (C3–C6). The areas are painted on C4; the carotid tubercle, on C6.
Joints
With neighboring vertebrae through the intervertebral discs and the joints of the articular processes (zygapophysial); they allow flexion, extension and some lateral flexion, and limit rotation.
Palpation
The spinous processes lie deep in the groove of the nape; that of C6 is longer than those above it.
Clinical
In front of the transverse process of C6, the carotid tubercle serves as a support against which the common carotid artery can be compressed to control bleeding, which continues at a lower level through anastomoses.
Source: cap. 2, «Vértebras: vértebras cervicales» y tabla 2-1