Question

Why are the caudal cervical segments the most laterally flexible?

1) They stretch the most so they maintain their flexibility
2) They are trying to look more like thoracic vertebrae
3) They are less likely to be damaged due to stretch

Answer 1

The caudal cervical segments are the most laterally flexible due to the flattened and upward or downward orientation of the articular processes in the cervical vertebrae, allowing for a greater range of motion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The caudal cervical segments of the vertebral column are the most laterally flexible because of the orientation and structure of the articular processes in the cervical vertebrae. These articular processes are flattened and are oriented to face upward or downward, which allows for a high degree of flexibility including flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation movements. This differs from the thoracic vertebrae, which have limited flexion and lateral flexion due to the overlapping spinous processes and attached thoracic cage, and the lumbar vertebrae, which have limited rotation due to the orientation of their articular processes.