Cervical Spine, Lateral View

Description

Arcing from the occipitoatlantal region into the thoracic inlet, the lateral cervical spine profile defines the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) superiorly, then the typical vertebrae C3 to C7 with their stacked vertebral bodies anteriorly and spinous processes posteriorly. Between adjacent pedicles, the superior and inferior vertebral notches oppose to form the intervertebral foramina, seen as a repeating series of openings just posterior to the vertebral bodies. Anterior longitudinal contouring and the gentle cervical lordosis frame the column, while the cervicothoracic junction transitions inferiorly toward T1. A side view like this earns its place when you need to teach or plan around foraminal anatomy. Cervical radiculopathy most often reflects narrowing at C5 to C6 or C6 to C7, where uncovertebral osteophytes and disc height loss encroach on the intervertebral foramen and irritate the exiting C6 or C7 spinal nerve. Small changes in sagittal alignment also matter, because loss of lordosis after whiplash or muscle spasm can redistribute load across the disc and facet joints and change where foraminal stenosis becomes symptomatic. Clear foramina. Clear dermatomes. Use this plate in gross anatomy and neuroanatomy teaching to link vertebral level to nerve root exit, and in orthopedics, physiatry, or neurosurgery materials describing foraminal stenosis, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) levels, or lateral radiographic correlation of degenerative disc disease. It also fits well in patient education handouts where a simple lateral backbone graphic supports explanation of neck pain and arm symptoms. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.