Cervical spine bones and ligaments: typical cervical vertebra (Latin)

A typical vertebra cervicalis (C3-C6) consists of a corpus et arcus vertebrae. The corpus vertebrae is smaller than that of its thoracic and lumbar counterparts due to the fact that it supports less weight. The arcus vertebrae projects from the posterior side of the corpus, initially as paired pediculi which represent the radix arcus. The pediculi are connected by a pair of laminae which enclose the foramen vertebrale. The processus spinosus may be bifid, something only seen in cervical vertebrae.