The temporal bones, zygomatic arches, occipital bone, mandible,
cervical vertebrae, scapula clavicles, manubrium, and hyoid bone form the skeleton
of the neck.
Cervical Vertebrae: C1-C7
Enclosed within the vertebral canal are the spinal cord and the meninges
Foramina transversaria: Within transverse processes containing the vertebral
vessels*
C1(a): Atlas – Carrier
of the Skull
Lacks a spinous process and
body
Consists of two lateral masses
connected by anterior and posterior arches with concave articular facets
receiving the occipital condyles superiorly
Anteriorly, possesses a facet
for articulating with the Dens on the anterior arch
Superiorly, posterior to the
condylar fossa, it possesses a groove where the vertebral artery, vein
and c1 travel on each side
Transverse Processes can be
palpated posterior to the ramus of the mandible
C2(b): Axis – Its odontoid process is
often considered the body of C1
Dens: Peglike odontoid process projecting superiorly from body that
forms the pivot around which the Atlas rotates
C3, C4, C5, & C6 Characteristics:
Vertebral body
small and longer from side to side than anteroposteriorly
superior surface is concave forming the uncinate processes laterally
inferior surface is convex
can be used as a landmark for hyoid (C3), upper border of thyroid
cartilage and bifurcation of the common carotid artery (C4), cricoid
cartilage (C6)
Vertebral foramen is large and triangular
C7: Vertebra Prominens
Long spinous process visible through skin
Large transverse processes
*Foramina transversaria are small
and only transmit vertebral veins
Hyoid Bone
Mobile, C-Shaped bone lying in the anterior part of the neck at the level
of C3 in the angle between the mandible and the thyroid cartilage.
Suspended by muscles that connect to the mandible, styloid processes, thyroid
cartilage, manubrium of the sternum, and the scapulae
Does not articulate with any other bone – Suspended from the styloid processes
of the temporal bones by the stylohyoid ligaments and firmly bound to the
thyroid cartilage by the thyrohyoid membrane
Functionally serves as an attachment for the deep investing fascia, anterior
neck muscles and keeps the airway open
