The first two, C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis), have unique anatomy and help in the rotation of the head. There are 7 cervical vertebrae named C1-C7, having thin intervertebral discs. The vertebral arch features the following bony projections, where the muscles and ligaments get attached. These hole-like structures of all the adjacent vertebrae stack up on top of each other to form the continuous hollow space of the backbone, the vertebral canal. The vertebral arch and vertebral body join to create an enclosed space called the vertebral foramen. It forms the lateral and posterior parts of each vertebra. As we move down the vertebral column, the size of the vertebral body increases to better support the body’s weight. A fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disc separates the adjacent vertebral bodies from each other. Its superior and inferior regions are covered by hyaline cartilage. It is the large, cylindrical, weight-bearing component that forms the anterior part of all vertebrae. Though the anatomy of the 33 vertebrae may differ in some ways, most of them share a typical structure with the following parts: As a result, the spine can flex (bend forward), extend (bend backward), bend sideways, and rotate to some extent. Allows the spine to twist and bend through the joints between the vertebrae, the intervertebral discs.It also supports the head, shoulder, and chest and balances the body by distributing the upper body’s weight to the lower extremities. Acts as the body’s central axis, bearing the whole body’s weight.Serves as the attachment point for several muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which are essential for body movement.Besides, it also protects various vital internal organs, such as the heart and lungs.

Protects the spinal cord from any mechanical injury by enclosing the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), spinal cord, and nerve roots.

Vertebral arch