Final answer:
The cervical vertebrae in human anatomy are the seven vertebrae numbered C1-C7 located in the neck region. They have unique features such as a bifid spinous process and transverse foramina, and the atlas (C1) supports the skull without a body or spinous process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cervical Vertebrae in Human Anatomy
The cervical vertebrae in human anatomy are the seven vertebrae numbered as C1-C7 that are located in the neck region of the vertebral column. These vertebrae have distinctive characteristics compared to other vertebrae in the human body. A typical cervical vertebra, such as C4 or C5, has a small body and a bifid (Y-shaped) spinous process. The transverse processes are sharply curved (U-shaped) to allow for the passage of the cervical spinal nerves, and each contains a transverse foramen for the ascending artery that supplies the brain. The C1 vertebra, also known as the atlas, is ring-shaped without a body or spinous process, supporting the skull. In contrast, the C2 vertebra, known as the axis, features a unique dens projecting upward for articulation with the atlas.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question "What are the cervical vertebrae in human anatomy?" is option 1) C1-C7.