C4 or Fourth Vertebra, Superior View

Description

Oriented in superior view, the C4 vertebra is presented with an oval vertebral body positioned anteriorly and a wide, triangular vertebral foramen centered posterior to it. Laterally, the pedicles and laminae frame the canal and extend into the transverse processes, each pierced by a transverse foramen (foramen transversarium). The superior articular facets sit posterolaterally at the articular pillars, while the spinous process projects posteriorly but remains largely out of plane from this top-down perspective. Clear bony geometry. C4 is a key midcervical level for understanding canal caliber and vertebral artery relationships, because the transverse foramina typically transmit the vertebral artery and accompanying venous plexus as it ascends toward the foramen magnum. This superior perspective also helps clarify how uncovertebral regions at the posterolateral margins of the vertebral body relate to adjacent intervertebral disc and osteophyte formation, a common contributor to cervical radiculopathy when foraminal narrowing develops. The broad triangular canal contrasts with thoracic and lumbar levels and anchors teaching on regional vertebral anatomy. Use this asset in gross anatomy and neuroanatomy instruction when you need a clean reference for cervical vertebra landmarks, vertebral foramen shape, and transverse foramina identification. It also supports orthopedic and neurosurgical content on anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) level orientation, as well as radiology teaching that correlates axial CT or MR appearance with real bony contours at C4. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.