 The Cervical VertebraeThere are seven vertebrae (segments) of the spine that form the connection to the skull, and the neck. The top two don't look like other vertebrae; the atlas is ring shaped. It balances and supports the head and allows it to nod forwards and backwards. The axis has a tooth-like projection that fits up into the atlas. The combination of these two vertebrae allows the head to turn from side to side as the atlas pivots around the axis. Below these are the five cervical vertebrae that form the neck. |