The cervical spine is the most superior portion of the vertebral column lying between the cranium and the thoracic vertebrae.

It consists of seven distinct vertebrae, two of which are given unique names:

  • the first cervical vertebrae (C1) is known as the atlas

  • the second cervical vertebrae (C2) is known as the axis


 

 
hyoid bone .jpg

The hyoid bone is ‘U’ shaped structure located in the anterior neck. It lies at the base of the mandible (approximately C3), where it acts as a site of attachment for the anterior neck muscles.