Question

The combining form cervic/o means either neck or the cervix of the uterus. In the naming of cervic+al vertebrae, cervical refers to the _____. Figure 6-6 shows the seven cervical vertebrae, C1 through C7.

Answer 1

In the context of the cervical vertebrae, the term 'cervical' refers to the neck. The cervical vertebrae consist of seven vertebrae in the neck region, numbered C1 through C7, and have specific features distinguishing them from vertebrae in other regions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The combining form cervic/o means either neck or the cervix of the uterus. However, when discussing cervical vertebrae, the term 'cervical' refers to the neck. The cervical vertebrae are a series of seven vertebrae located in the neck, spanning from C1 to C7. These vertebrae form part of the vertebral column, which is subdivided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. The first 24 vertebrae are individual bones from the neck down—including the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. The sacrum is made up of five fused sacral vertebrae, and the coccyx or tailbone arises from the fusion of four coccygeal vertebrae.

Each cervical vertebra has distinctive features, such as a smaller body to reflect the lesser amount of body weight they carry, and a bifid or Y-shaped spinous process. The C1 vertebra, also known as the atlas, articulates with the occipital condyles of the skull, while the C2 vertebra, or axis, enables head rotation due to the unique dens (odontoid process). The transverse processes of cervical vertebrae are curved to permit the passage of cervical spinal nerves, and these processes also contain transverse foramina that allow important arteries to ascend to the brain.

Answer 2

The combining form 'cervic/o' in cervical vertebrae refers to the neck, covering the seven vertebrae C1 through C7 that help support the head and allow for its movement.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the naming of cervical vertebrae, the combining form cervic/o refers to the neck. Figure 6-6 illustrates the seven cervical vertebrae, numbered C1 through C7, which make up the uppermost part of the vertebral column. These vertebrae are distinguished by features like a small body and bifid, or Y-shaped, spinous processes.

The transverse processes are notable for their sharp curvature and contain an opening known as the transverse foramen, allowing passage for the cervical spinal nerves and a vital artery that supplies the brain. The verbal column is a flexible structure that supports the neck and back, changing from 33 to 24 vertebrae during development, with the addition of the sacrum and the coccyx. The vertebral column is sectioned into the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions, with the cervical region hosting the seven cervical vertebrae.