cervical vertebrae (7)

The bones in the neck are called the cervical vertebrae. These vertebrae support the weight of the head and protect the nerves that go to the rest of the body, coming from the brain.

The cervical vertebrae are small close to the skull and bigger towards the chest. The are named C1 to C7 from top to bottom.

C1 or Atlas

The uppermost vertebra, "C1", is also called "Atlas". The Atlas connects to the skull in the OA joint ("O" stands for Occuput, which is the base of the skull). This OA joint facilitates the rotation of the head up and down (the yes motion).

C2 or Axis

The second vertebra, "C2", is also called "Axis". The Axis connects to the Atlas in the AA joint. This AA joint facilitates a large movement of the head to right or left. Actually about 50% of the movement of the head left and right comes from the AA joint, the rest comes from the other neck joints.

C7

C7 is the lowest vertebra in the neck. C7 can usually be found when you bend your head forward. C7 is the first prominent bone that can be seen on the back of the neck.

You can also find C7 by rotating your head left and right (no motion) while feeling the movement of the vertebrae with your fingers. C7 will move slightly left and right with respect to the first thoracic (chest) vertebra. The thoracic vertebrae will not move left and right with respect to each other.

On the photo C6, C7 and a couple of thoracic vertebrae are clearly visible on the woman's back.