C4 Vertebra Section, Lateral View

Description

C4 is rendered in lateral profile within the cervical segment, with the vertebral body positioned anteriorly and the vertebral arch, laminae, and spinous process extending posteriorly. Superior and inferior articular processes define the zygapophysial (facet) joints above and below, while the transverse process projects laterally with the foramen transversarium aligned for passage of the vertebral artery in the mid-cervical levels. Adjacent intervertebral discs are shown between the cervical vertebral bodies, so the uncovertebral margins at the posterolateral body can be appreciated as they approach the intervertebral foramen. Cervical lordosis frames the segment. Clear landmarks. Lateral assessment of C4 matters because this level sits near the midpoint of neck motion and commonly contributes to radiculopathy when disc height loss or uncovertebral osteophytes narrow the intervertebral foramen, affecting the exiting C4 spinal nerve. The relationship of the vertebral body to the facet joints helps explain common patterns of subaxial cervical instability, including degenerative facet arthropathy and post-traumatic alignment changes after flexion extension injuries. Surgeons planning anterior cervical discectomy and fusion also rely on this side view to communicate disc space orientation and the proximity of the transverse foramen, where a laterally placed instrument risks vertebral artery injury. Orthopaedic and neurosurgical teaching files can pair this illustration with lateral cervical radiographs to reinforce normal alignment, disc spacing, and level identification at C4. It also suits anatomy and spine modules covering cervical biomechanics, spondylosis, and foraminal stenosis, or publisher figures that need a clean reference for labeling the vertebral body, pedicle region, and posterior elements. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.