The spinous process of a typical cervical vertebra is short and bifid posteriorly. It is bifid because it develops from two separate secondary centers of ossification. This morphology is unique to cervical spinous processes.

Where are bifid spinous processes found?

Lateral view, lumbar vertebrae

The spinous (spinal) process projects in a posterior direction from the junction of the lamina of a vertebra. Each region has a characteristic shape. When we palpate vertebrae, it is the spinous process that we detect. We find that most cervical vertebrae have a bifid spinous process.

Which vertebral joint has a bifid spinous process?

Cervical Vertebrae A typical cervical vertebra has a small body, a bifid spinous process, transverse processes that have a transverse foramen and are curved for spinal nerve passage.

What is a bifid process?

Bifid spinous process – this is where the spinous process splits into two distally. Transverse foramina – holes in the transverse processes. They give passage to the vertebral artery, vein and sympathetic nerves[2]. The main role of the cervical spine is to support and promote the movement of the head and neck.

Does C7 have bifid process?

The spinous process of C7 usually projects directly posteriorly. Unlike typical cervical vertebrae, the spinous process of C7 is not bifid.

What is the function of the intervertebral foramina?

The intervertebral foramen serves as the doorway between the spinal canal and periphery. It lies between the pedicles of neighboring vertebrae at all levels in the spine. A number of categorization schemes have been attempted to describe the boundaries of the intervertebral foramen.

What does the pedicle connect?

Pedicles. Each vertebra has two cylinder-shaped projections (pedicles) of hard bone that stick out from the back part of the vertebral body, providing side protection for the spinal cord and nerves. The pedicles also serve as a bridge, joining the front and back parts of the vertebra.

What bones does the sacrum articulate with superiorly?

The superior aspect of the sacrum, referred to as the sacral promontory, articulates superiorly with the L5 vertebral body of the lumbar spine. This arrangement forms the lumbosacral joint, which is reinforced by iliolumbar and lumbosacral ligaments.

What is spinous process fracture?

Definition. A spinous process fracture is a break in a part of the spinal bone. This part of the bone is located toward the back of each spinal bone.

Which vertebrae have spinous process?

Cervical vertebrae have a small body, reflecting the fact that they carry the least amount of body weight. Cervical vertebrae usually have a bifid (Y-shaped) spinous process. The spinous processes of the C3–C6 vertebrae are short, but the spine of C7 is much longer.

Is C7 spinous process bifid?

Normally the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) has a long non-bifid spine. A bifid spine is a feature of typical cervical vertebrae such as C3–C6.

What are spinous processes?

Spinous process is a bony projection off the posterior (back) of each vertebra. The spinous process protrudes where the laminae of the vertebral arch join and provides the point of attachment for muscles and ligaments of the spine.

What does C2 and C3 control?

C1, C2, and C3 (the first three cervical nerves) help control the head and neck, including movements forward, backward, and to the sides. The C2 dermatome handles sensation for the upper part of the head, and the C3 dermatome covers the side of the face and back of the head.

Do all cervical vertebrae have bifid spinous process?

This is true of all cervical vertebrae except C7, whose transverse foramina contain only accessory veins. Another feature unique to the cervical vertebrae is the bifid spinous process (See “physiologic variants” section), which may serve to increase surface area for muscle attachment.

Does C2 have a bifid spinous process?

The second cervical vertebra is the axis (Fig. The laminae of the axis are very well developed and blend into a bifid spinous process. Both transverse processes have a transverse foramen for the vertebral arteries. The superior articular facets of the axis articulate with the inferior articular facets of the atlas.

What is a C7 spinous process fracture?

A spinous process fracture is a break or crack in the back part of a vertebra. Muscles and ligaments in your back are attached to this part of the vertebra. When a vertebra is damaged, the spinal cord may also be damaged.

Why do cervical vertebrae have bifid spinous processes?

The spinous process of a typical cervical vertebra is short and bifid posteriorly. It is bifid because it develops from two separate secondary centers of ossification.

What are neural foramina?

Neural foramina are critical structures in the spine that contain exiting nerve roots. Narrowing of these foramina leads to compression of nerve roots, which results in the clinical syndrome of radiculopathy (1).

What structure passes through intervertebral foramina?

A number of structures pass through the foramen. These are the root of each spinal nerve, the spinal artery of the segmental artery, communicating veins between the internal and external plexuses, recurrent meningeal (sinu-vertebral) nerves, and transforaminal ligaments.