Do Cervical Vertebrae Have Transverse Foramen?

Typical cervical vertebrae have several features distinct from those typical of thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. The most notable distinction is the presence of one foramen, in each transverse process. These transverse foramina encircle the vertebral arteries and veins.

What vertebrae have transverse foramen?

Unlike the other parts of the spine, the cervical spine has transverse foramina in each vertebra for the vertebral arteries that supply blood to the brain.

What is found only in the cervical vertebrae?

A typical cervical vertebra has a small body, a bifid (Y-shaped) spinous process, and U-shaped transverse processes with a transverse foramen. In addition to these characteristics, the axis (C2 vertebra) also has the dens projecting upward from the vertebral body.