Cervical spine: The superior articular facets

The superior articular facets of the subaxial cervical spine (C3-C7) are oriented in a posteromedial direction at C3 and posterolateral direction at C7, with variable transition between these levels Connected at the back of the bone by facet joints, your seven cervical vertebrae collectively allow for various motions of your neck and act as shock absorbers whenever your spine moves... The cervical spine is the most superior portion of the vertebral column, lying between the cranium and the thoracic vertebrae. It consists of seven distinct vertebrae, two of which are given unique names: Location The cervical spine is located in the neck region, connecting the base of the skull to the thoracic spine . It extends from the occipital bone of the skull to the upper part of the back. Structure and Anatomy Vertebral Composition The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, labeled C1 to C7. These vertebrae are the smallest and most mobile in the vertebral column, supporting the head and neck's flexibility. C1 (Atlas): A ring-like structure without a vertebral body, designed to ...