Cervical Vertebrae (C3-C7)

Processus Spinosus In eq

Rudimentary

Reduced in size/ underdeveloped

Processus Spinosus in Car/Bo

Gradually increase in length/height from cranial to caudal

Why is Processus spinosus of equines Rudimentary?

Adaption for speed and efficiency

Muscle/ligament attachment from C3-C6 is not focused here

Processus Tranversus C3-C6

Bifurcates into dorsale and ventral tubercles 

Separated by transverse foramen located at the root of the process

Processus Transversus C7

Single, solid projection

Transverse foramen is absent

Which of the cervical vertebrae can vertebral vessels pass & why?

C1 - C6

Due to absence of transverse foramen at C7

Processus Transversus C6

Is modified into ventral plate (lamina ventralis) 

Ventral tubercle is expanded and enlarged

Why does C6 transverse process have a lamina?

For stability of the head and cervical column as it merges into the thoracic region.

Lamina Ventralis

Ventral Plate on C6

It is broad, flat plate, where the ventral tubercle of transverse process is expanded and enlarged. 

Transverse Canal 

Bony tunnel formed by the alignment of transverse formina from C1-C6 

Transverse Canal Function

Houses arteria ventralis

Protecting it 

Processus Articularis Cranialis & Caudalis

Articular surfaces which are in the horizontal plane

Allow for lateral flexion

Incisura Vertebralis Cranialis & Caudalis

Cranial & Caudal notches of cervical vertebra 

Contribute to formation of intervertebral formina when two vertebrae articulate with each other