The cervical spine, in the neck, is comprised of 7 vertebrae (spinal bones). Between each bone are discs, filled with a watery fluid, to cushion joint movement and act as shock

absorbers, ligaments prevent too much movement of one vertebra on another, and muscles act to stabilise the whole structure, close to the spine, as well as to move the neck. There are long strips of connective tissue throughout the spine, which add to the stability of the whole structure.

The cervical spine has a natural curve (backwards), which adds to its ability to cope with adverse stresses. If the natural curves of the whole spine are maintained, injuries are less likely to occur. The spine is able to act along its natural curves, and is therefore more efficient.

See the diagrams below, from the Bartleby.com edition of Gray’s Anatomy of the Human Body, for more information -

• Costovertebral articulations. Anterior view.