hand from the palm backward position to the palm forward postion. Before this procedure was available, the affected disk was removed and the vertebrae above and below were fused together to prevent motion. Each vertebra consists of a vertebral body in front and a vertebral arch at the back. Dogs most often genetically inherit congenital spinal and vertebral malformations (as opposed to adverse conditions during fetal development). 2. This ligament attaches superiorly to the occipital bone, anterior to the foramen magnum, and to the anterior tubercle of vertebra C1 (). A typical vertebra also contains four articular processes, two superior and two inferior, which contact the inferior and superior articular processes of adjacent vertebrae, respectively. The cervical spine is the most superior portion of the vertebral column, lying between the cranium and the thoracic vertebrae. , The sella turcica is a part of the _____ bone and houses the _____ gland. protruding the mandible, opening the jaw, moving the mandible outward and right and left. Athletes involved in impact sports, or participating in sports such as skiing, diving, football, cycling that have a. Vertebrae Definition. Spinal fusion is surgery to connect two or more bones in any part of the spine. The collapsed vertebra can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness. The vertebral column, also known as the spinal column, is a flexible column that encloses the spinal cord and also supports the head. It consists of 5 bones, from the top down, L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5. The characteristic features in a typical vertebra are as follows: Parts of Vertebrae. Advertisement. The vertebral column is divided into five regions and consists of 33 vertebrae interlaced by strong joints and ligaments . Spinal anatomy. The eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11) is located near the bottom of the thoracic spine. The vertebral column supports the body’s physical structure and nervous system, enabling movement and sensation. These structures enclose the vertebral foramen, which contains the spinal cord. A T3 compression fracture is a type of vertebral fracture that occurs in the upper part of the spine, at the level of the third thoracic vertebra. The two transverse processes of each vertebra function as the site of attachment for muscles. Like the other lumbar vertebrae, it is among the largest of the bones in the spinal column, with a substantial, cylindrical centrum (ventral body) that is wider than it is deep to support the body’s. The L3-L4 spinal motion segment, positioned in the middle of the lumbar spine, plays an important role in supporting the weight of the torso and protecting the cauda equina (nerves that descend from the spinal cord). First Cervical Vertebra). Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure in which two or more vertebrae are permanently joined into one solid bone with no space between them. It is highly mobile in most directions, allowing a wider gape (i. The posterior fossa is the small space in the skull near the brain stem and cerebellum, which are. The dorsal root fibers carry sensory information from the dermatome to the brain. bones of the the pelvic girdle d. These discs allow the spine to move freely and act as shock. The good news is that there are a number of treatment options available that can help to reduce pain and improve quality of life. It then extends caudally to the. Physical Description. A fractured spine is a medical term for breaking any of your vertebrae, the 33 bones that make up your spinal column. In individuals with sacralisation of vertebra L5 or lumbarization of vertebra S1, the lumbar disorders that normally affect L5 will affect L4 or L6, respectively. Exhale and perform the chin tuck while keeping your shoulder blades moving toward each other. Non-recognition of this variant and/or poor description in the report can lead to operations or procedures performed at the wrong level. The vertebral column (spine) extends from the inferior aspect of the occipital bone of the skull to the tip of the coccyx. For minimally invasive spinal fusion, you’ll be given medicine (general anesthesia) to put you asleep. Since the brain stem extends through the C1 and C2, it is extremely important to the. . The 7 cervical vertebrae are called C1 through C7. The extent and type of sacralization varies widely from person to. The proportions of the vertebrae differ according to their spinal segment and the particular species. While the L3-L4 motion segment is less likely to be injured compared to its lower counterparts, it may be subject to degeneration. Cervical spinal nerves, also called cervical nerves, provide functional control and sensation to different parts of the body based on the spinal level where they branch out from the spinal cord. Pathology of the spine can lead to debilitating outcomes on quality of life. The vertebral column is composed of 33 bones in total: 7 cervical (neck), 12 thoracic (chest), 5 lumbar (lower back), 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal (fused into the coccyx ). L5-S1 is the exact spot where the lumbar spine ends and the sacral spine begins. L3 spinal nerves affect sensation at the front portion of the lower thighs and knees, as well as the ability to straighten the knees (knee extension) and rotate the hip outward (external rotation). The use of an artificial disk to replace your natural cervical disk is a new type of. The spinal nerves innervate the skin and the muscles of a specific region. The lumbar motion segments may be affected by congenital (birth. Full recovery may take months. This is typically an unstable fracture. T1 is the first thoracic vertebra. Compression fractures can often be treated. A vertebra consists of a cylindrical body in front and a bony ring in the back. The lumbar cord is situated between T9 and T11 vertebrae. The intervertebral disc (IVD) is important in the normal functioning of the spine. The vertebrates consist of all the taxa within the. Figure 7. Sacrum. The second vertebral body is called the axis and acts like a post that supports the atlas. Scoliosis is determined when the curvature of the spine measures 10 degrees or greater on an X-ray. Each intervertebral joint is a complex of three separate joints; an intervertebral disc joint (intervertebral symphysis) and two zygapophyseal (facet) joints. Our revolutionary healthcare model goes beyond traditional pharmacy benefit management to help build efficiencies,. A typical thoracic vertebra, seen from lateral side. The vertebral column is composed of 33 bones in total: 7 cervical (neck), 12 thoracic (chest), 5 lumbar (lower back), 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal (fused into the coccyx ). The atlas is a thin ring-shaped bone that does not resemble the typical vertebrae, thus being classified as an atypical vertebra. A thoracic spine fracture, also called a vertebral compression fracture, happens when a bone in the spine collapses. A number of bones and tissues make up each vertebra, including intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers; the "bumps" in the spine, called transverse processes; and lamina, which protect the. The T12 vertebra is the twelfth thoracic vertebra in the spine of the human body. Scalp. There is a varying degree of slippage of the body of one vertebra relative to the adjacent vertebra, owing to ligamentous injury and the jumped facets, with, therefore, a high predisposition for injury to the spinal cord. Vertebroplasty is a procedure that involves injecting cement into vertebrae, the bones that make up your spine. The facet joints are situated between the pedicle and lamina of the same vertebra and form. The cylindrical body of the vertebra is a stacking agent; in other words, the spinal column is made up of the 24 vertebrae, which are stacked one on top of the other. The second vertebra, C2 (axis), allows C1 to pivot against it so. Cervical Spine. Injuries to this area can affect bowel and bladder control, as well as sexual function, especially in men. The shock-absorbing pads between the vertebrae are formed of fibrocartilage. It is located in close proximity to the thyroid cartilage. The thoracic cage, also known as the rib cage, is the osteocartilaginous structure that encloses the thorax. Treatment of T6 compression fractures typically involves rest, ice, and pain relief medication. They are the largest of the unfused vertebrae, and are larger than the bones located above. Also known as the zygapophyseal or apophyseal joint, is a synovial joint between the superior articular process of one vertebra and the inferior articular process of the vertebra directly above it. The ribs are anchored posteriorly to the 12 thoracic vertebrae. The adult spine is made up of approximately 24 bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other from the bottom of the skull to the pelvis. Function. You may experience symptoms such as poor. Spine Center. g. Over time, these fractures affect posture. Since it is not a vertebrae, C8 is also labeled as the cervical spinal nerve 8. A cervical fracture is a break in a vertebra (bone) in your neck. Spinal Cyst Treatment. For the most part, the spinal nerves exit the vertebral canal through the intervertebral foramen below their corresponding vertebra. : vertebrae) is an irregular bone with a complex structure composed of bone and some hyaline cartilage, that make up the vertebral column or spine, of vertebrates. A vertebra is one of the 33 individual bones that make up the spinal column. and more. Seven processes arise from each vertebra. This rib articulates again with the costal facet on the transverse process (costotransverse joint). It articulates with the dens of the axis and the occiput, respectively allowing rotation of the head, and flexion, extension and lateral flexion of the head. The vertebral column is part of the axial skeleton. It may happen anywhere along the spine, but is most common in the lower back. The seventh cervical vertebra of a dog posses the highest spinous process of all those on the cervical vertebrae of a dog. frontal belly, occipital belly, temporal bone. This portion of the spine is also vulnerable to bulging or herniated discs. skin of brow, epicranial aponeurosis. Overview. The breaks happen in the vertebral body, which is the thick, rounded part on the front of each vertebra. discomfort when sitting. 2. Loss of bladder and bowel control is another indicator that the injury has compromised the spinal cord. In humans, it is composed of 33 vertebrae that include 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5. The basic. An internal disk is located between each vertebra. There are also tendons that fasten muscles to the vertebrae. The skeletal system of the horse is a skeletal system of a horse that has three major functions in the body. Vertebra definition: . Hence meaning 1. The condition is sometimes known as roundback or — in the case of a severe curve — as hunchback. A spinal fracture is a dislocation or fracture of the vertebrae (backbone) and can occur anywhere along the spine. There are many types of fractures and dislocations that can happen. The meaning of VERTEBRA is one of the bony or cartilaginous segments composing the spinal column, consisting in some lower vertebrates of several distinct elements which never become united, and in higher vertebrates having a short more or less cylindrical body whose ends articulate by pads of elastic or cartilaginous tissue with those of adjacent vertebrae and a bony arch that encloses the. For example, the C8 cord segment is situated in the C7 vertebra while the T12 cord is situated in the T8 vertebra. The paired. joint stiffness. The bony ring that is attached to the back of the vertebral body remains largely unphased. : 578 It results in a limited ability to move the neck and shortness of the neck, resulting in the appearance of a low hairline. Trouble bending or twisting your. posterolateral lip (uncus) pedicle. See examples of VERTEBRA used in a sentence. Adult Spondylolisthesis in the Low Back. This injury causes severe pain, spine instability, and sometimes nerve compression, making daily activities difficult. lateral pterygoid. The two main types of injuries to the spinal bones (vertebrae) are fractures and dislocations. Symptoms. Treatment for a T3 compression fracture typically includes rest, ice. Along with back pain, spinal compression fractures also can cause: Pain that gets worse when you stand or walk but with some relief when you lie down. The outer edge of a vertebra with bone spurs can resemble the hem of a ruffled dress or dripped wax built-up at the bottom of a candle. This condition or weakness can occur in up to 5% of children as young as. It becomes larger from the cervical vertebra (C2) to the lumbar vertebra (L5). The vertebral bodies act as a support column to. Non-rib bearing lumbar vertebral bodies are the five vertebrae that form the lower area of the spine. Cervical Spine. The vertebrae support each other, with the goal of reducing pain and easing symptoms related to your spinal cord and nerves. Synonyms: none. The thoracic spine is part of the vertebral column that supports the chest area and provides posterior attachment for the ribs, some thoracic wall muscles, muscles of the upper limb, abdomen, and back. Therefore, individuals with T12 SCIs will focus on rehabilitation for. C3-C7 are more classic vertebrae, having a body, pedicles, laminae, spinous processes, and facet joints. The human coccyx is the final portion of the vertebral column, typically comprised of three to five vertebral segments. Like the rest of the spine, the next five vertebrae (C3-C7) have three joints at each segment, including one disc in the front and a pair of facet joints in the back. Due to its unique role, C1 has features not shared with the rest of the spine. L1: This vertebra begins the lumbar spine after the thoracic spine ends. The loss of height is may cause the vertebral body to erode into a wedge shape. For example, the fifth lumbar vertebra (which is most inferior one, located beneath the fourth lumbar vertebra) is called the L5 vertebra. , Along with support, the anterior longitudinal ligament of the vertebral column also acts to and more. A nerve cord is enclosed by vertebrae — individual bones that make up a vertebrate's spine. . In humans, it is. It is slightly larger than the T1 vertebra, but smaller than the T3 vertebra. body is somewhat heart-shaped. T1 connects to the first rib with costovertebral joints. A fractured spine is a medical term for breaking any of your vertebrae, the 33 bones that make up your spinal column. Relieve compression of the spinal cord and/or C6 spinal nerve (s). Sacrum. It forms joints with four other bones. The lowest lumbar vertebra is situated just above the sacrum, or triangular bony plate that extends from the hip line to the middle of the buttocks. C) short bone. Tweet. The sacrum is a triangular-shaped bone and consists of five segments (S1-S5) that are fused together. g. The bones are stacked on top of each other and securely attached with a disc in between each one. Background context: There are three phases in prophylaxis of surgical site infections (SSI): preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. The cervical spine (neck region) consists of seven bones ( C1-C7 vertebrae ), which are separated from one another by intervertebral discs. (September 2019) The vertebral column, also known as the backbone or spine, is the core part of the axial skeleton in vertebrate animals. This article will discuss the anatomy, segments and branches of the vertebral artery, as well as most frequent, life-threatening clinical condition related to it. Sacrum. Inferiorly, to anchor the rib to its respective thoracic vertebra (i. People sometimes refer to a spinal fracture as a broken back. The vertebral column, commonly referred to as the spine or spinal column, consists of 33 vertebrae organized in 5 main regions: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4. D) irregular bone. They often present in the vertebral body of the thoracic and lumbar spine with potential to extend into the posterior arch. Furthermore, it prevents further bone collapse by protecting the vertebra. Vertegra 24MG x 100’s See full list on spineinfo. Fractured vertebrae are usually caused by osteoporosis and traumas like falls, sports. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like The joint between adjacent. It becomes larger from the cervical vertebra (C2) to the lumbar vertebra (L5). Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Anatomy Explorer. This type of fracture can occur in a head-on car collision when the upper body is thrown forward while the pelvis is stabilized by a lap seat belt. The spinal cord runs through the center of the vertebral column. A typical vertebra consists of a vertebral body and vertebral arch. Vertebra definition: . A foraminotomy is designed to relieve pressure on a nerve root. ), authorized by Malta Financial. Supporting the head and its movement. It is made up of five distinct vertebrae, which are the largest of the vertebral column. vertebrae [L. This activity reviews the etiology. The human backbone is a column of 33. Anatomical terms of bone. The increase in size ensures they can support the weight. The bodies of lumbar vertebrae are much wider than they are deep. Vertebra L5 is the most common site of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. This surgery is designed to improve spinal stability and reduce pain in conditions that cause spinal malalignment or spinal degeneration. Anatomy and Function of the Spine. The anterolateral surfaces of the vertebral bodies and IV discs are covered and connected by a strong and broad band of fibrous tissue called the anterior longitudinal ligament. The seven bones stacked upon one another form a bony tunnel for your spinal cord to travel through. This usually results from a combination of bending forward. Figure 7. Compression fractures of the T6 vertebra can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the upper body. This may occur anywhere along the spine, but is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine). Kyphosis can occur at any age but is common during adolescence. 7. Used to reduce the symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss associated. The hind toe of the avian foot opposes the other three. The T4 vertebra has the smallest diameter moving caudally; the spinal canal diameter from T3-T11 remains relatively stable at 15 mm. Nucleoplasty, also called plasma disk decompression. Symptoms. During surgery, a portion of the affected vertebra, called the lamina and spinous process at the back of the spine, is removed. Thoracic Spine. The seven cervical vertebrae are – C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7. It is part of the spinal column, which supports the top of the human…. Parts of a Typical Vertebra. Fractures of the cervical spine are a leading cause of mobility and mortality in trauma patients, and a bone fracture is associated with. 23). It consists of 3 major subgroups: semispinalis, multifidus and rotatores. 1. At the T12 vertebra, the spinal canal diameter increases to an average of 18 mm. Yeah, that appears to be a whale vertebra. Recovery. Vertebra L5 is the most common site of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. Symptomatic hemangiomas are less than 1% of all hemangiomas, and are more. First are the vertebrae of the spine, and underneath those are three layers of tough membrane called the meninges. The commonest of these would be a "compression fracture" of a vertebra (where one of the vertebrae gets squashed by the vertebra above it and fractures) which is usually caused by osteoporosis. Because of the compression of the. Ligaments connect bones to bones; tendons connect muscles to bones. Anterior spinal, posterior spinal, posterior inferior cerebellar, meningeal, medullary, basilar arteries. These vertebrae are larger because they carry more of your body's weight. The body is divided into trunk and tail regions. The arch extends a spinous process (projection) downward and backward that may be felt as a series of bumps down the back, and two transverse processes, one to…. A typical vertebra consists of a vertebral body and vertebral arch. In some people, this causes no symptoms at all. It comes from the phrase “bone of the spine” from Latin. The superior demifacet of a thoracic vertebra articulates with the corresponding rib (costovertebral joint). Watch Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery Video. True. Inferior articular process Spinous process Transverse process Superior articular process, Individual vertebrae articulate with each. The anterior aspect of the body has a greater height compared to the posterior. The L4 and L5 are the two lowest vertebrae of the lumbar spine. Vertebrae: Your spine has 33 stacked vertebrae (small bones) that form the spinal canal. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like The zygomatic bone is an example of a(n) A) long bone. Kyphoplasty. Surgical Treatment for C5-C6. A typical vertebra will consist of a body, a vertebral arch, and seven processes (Figure 7. In individuals with sacralisation of vertebra L5 or lumbarization of vertebra S1, the lumbar disorders that normally affect L5 will affect L4 or L6, respectively. Among all the vertebrae, the L5 lumbar. The spinal cord runs through the center of the vertebral column and terminates in the conus medullaris at the level. Neck pain and fatigue also are common. Osteoporosis is the underlying cause of many lumbar fractures, especially in postmenopausal women. They are located between the rib cage and pelvic region and provide support for the trunk and head muscles. 23). It can be painful, but there are treatments that can help. Each vertebra articulates with its neighbour at five different points: first, at the contact point between the main, central bodies of the bones (centra), which is a ball-and-socket joint; then at two projections (prezygapophyses and postzygapophyses) from the centra, with articulating surfaces that lie above and below; and finally the. Burst Fracture occur when the vertebrae are crushed by forces such as a car accident. Vertegra 24MG x 100’s tablet ( white ) Indication. L2 is the lowest vertebral segment that contains spinal cord. The fifth lumbar spine vertebrae (L5) is part of the greater lumbar region. Vertegra 24MG x 100’s tablet ( white ) Indication. The C5 vertebra is significant for determining the severity of neck and spinal injury. In adults, the five sacral vertebrae fuse to form a single bone, the sacrum, and the four rudimentary coccygeal vertebrae fuse to form the coccyx. The cervical spine is mainly involved in supporting the weight of the head. L3 Spinal Cord Injury. Vertebral tumor signs and symptoms may include: Pain at the site of the tumor due to tumor growth. (ver'te-bra) plural. A compression fracture is usually defined as a vertebral bone in the spine that has decreased at least 15 percent to 20 percent in height due to fracture. A cervical spinal cord injury is an injury to your cervical vertebrae. transverse process. T12 spinal cord injury patients generally have full function in their upper limbs and trunk. The atlas has correspondingly shaped condyles for articulation with the occiput. The bulging disk then presses on the nerves near the disk. This helps each. The vertebra is separated by an intervertebral disc, which is absent between C1-C2. Your surgeon will gently push away the muscles of your back with a special tool. The first vertebra, called C1 or atlas, can be found at the base of your skull and is responsible for holding your head upright. Instead, it comprises an anterior and posterior arch and a lateral mass. The syndrome is. Symptoms. 9 hours ago · Ozzy Osbourne is opening up about whether he has a fear of dying and the setbacks from a recent back surgery that led to the discovery of a tumor in one of the. Generally, the spinal bones are larger and heavier the further down they are located. The point at which. Learn more. WebMD describes the condition and explains how it's treated. The 7th cervical (C7) vertebra is the largest and most inferior vertebra in the neck region. Superior view of the vertebral foramen. It looks like a single bony component composed of 5 fused vertebrae (S1-S5). The disc and vertebra above and below the disc comprise one segment of the spine - usually called a spinal level or spinal segment. Typical Cervical Vertebra (C3-C7) [edit | edit source] Vertebral Body [edit | edit source]Understanding Spinal Disk Problems -- Herniated Disk. The vertebral body is the large anterior cylindrical portion that is predominantly responsible for bearing the weight of the spine and body above it. The vertebrae are divided into three regions: cervical C1–C7 vertebrae, thoracic T1–T12 vertebrae, and lumbar L1–L5 vertebrae. Invertebrates have no backbone, while vertebrates have a well-developed internal skeleton of cartilage and bone and a highly developed brain that is enclosed by a skull. This usually results from a combination of bending forward. Ribs. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Identify the major weight bearing part of a vertebra. This condition occurs in the womb. Vertebrate, any animal of the subphylum Vertebrata. Secondary ossification centers in the superior and inferior surfaces of the vertebral body contribute to the development of the growth plate. This diagnostic approach uses data derived from the second (C2), third (C3), and fourth (C4) cervical vertebrae, as visualized in a two-dimensional lateral. The neck is part of a long flexible column, known as the spinal column or backbone, which extends through most of the body. Our vertebral column is composed of 33 irregular sized bones that are connected to each other by intervertebral discs. Most thoracic spine fractures are due to accidents, such as an automobile accident, a fall or sports injury. T1 connects to the first rib with costovertebral joints. Injuries from these accidents can range from mild muscle and ligament strains to more serious fractures. Hemangiomas appear most in people between the ages of 30 and 50. The vertebra is thin, weak, and brittle. abduction. Vertegra 24MG x 100’s. epicranius. A cylinder of bone known as the vertebral body makes up the majority of the lumbar vertebrae’s mass and bears most of the body’s weight. The cervical spine is made up of 7 vertebrae. Along with the sternum and ribs, the thoracic spine forms part of the thoracic cage. This helps prevent a fall that could cause more injury. The T12 vertebra is the twelfth thoracic vertebra in the spine of the human body. This type of fracture can occur in a head-on car collision when the upper body is thrown forward while the pelvis is stabilized by a lap seat belt. Rotation Fracture Pattern. To the human eye, this is the curve just above the buttocks, which is also commonly referred to as the small of the. The proportions of the vertebrae differ according to their spinal segment and the particular species. The neck, also called the cervical spine, is a well-engineered structure of bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The C1 vertebra, aka the atlas, supports the skull at the atlanto-occipital joint (see Image. There are 31 bilateral pairs of spinal nerves, named from the vertebra they correspond to. In humans, it further transmits body weight in walking and standing. Degeneration of spinal structures is somewhat inevitable as we age. Atlas (anatomy) In anatomy, the atlas (C1) is the most superior (first) cervical vertebra of the spine and is located in the neck. Although the spine can be a pain in the back, it’s function is very important. The C2 vertebra is the axis which the C1 vertebra pivots around and lets us move our skulls from side to side in a horizontal motion. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like. Synonyms: Chest wall. They are the largest segments of the vertebral column and are characterized by the absence of the foramen transversarium. from second to tenth. If your spine isn’t aligned properly, you may be at increased risk of: chronic pain. Reload page. This vertebra is named C1. The vertebral column (spine) defines the animal subphylum Vertebra, or vertebrates, of the phylum Chordata. Physical Description. Function. The intervertebral disc is the thick fluid-filled ring of fibrocartilage that serves as a shock absorber throughout the vertebral column. This is due to the inward curve of the cervical spine, and a gentle outward curve in the thoracic region. Shark vertebrae of different genera/species can look very similar. The lumbar region of the spine, more commonly known as the lower back, consists of five vertebrae labeled L1 through L5. swelling. Structure a Reflection of Function [edit | edit source]determine that an isolated vertebra is a middle trunk UF14444, UF18396, UF32545, UF32557, UF35130, specimen of an adult individual, the most diagnostic of UF37513, UF41510, UF53428, UF56113, UF99060); and all the trunk vertebrae even though these too exhibit some Sistrurus miliarius (Zooafchaeology: Z1301, Z1780; variation. Spinal hemangiomas are benign tumors most common in the mid back (thoracic) and lower back (lumbar). The most important factor in determining the best treatment for a compression fracture is. The area Andrews has injured, the thoracic spine, forms a semi-rigid cage due to its attachment to the ribs. A brace may decrease your pain, and help your vertebrae heal. The vertebral disc in the spine is an interesting and unique structure. Causes. Shop men's and women's clothing on Grailed, the platform for personal style. Figure 4. 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. The inferior demifacet articulates with the rib below. Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to correct problems with the small bones in the spine (vertebrae). You should seek medical help if.