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Your cervical spine is specially built to support the base of the skull and provide greater agility and movement to the body. Moreover, it plays host to the spinal cord and the task of protecting the cord lies with the spinal cord. The bones or the vertebrae comprising of the spine are relatively small when compared to the other bones of the spine. These vertebrae number in eight and are named in abbreviations in the form of C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, and C8.
The cervical spine is made up of a complex gamut of nerves, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Each of the components has its own unique set of functions. The muscles contract and expand, accordingly, so as to provide support and strength to the various components of the spine. They work either individually or in unison with one another. They provide a system of balance and stability to the body, also. You have a variety of muscles such as the forward and the lateral flexors, the extensors and the rotators. Then, you also have the presence of ligaments which provide cushioning to the components of the spine and avoid any kind of friction in the cervical spine.
The cervical spine treasures the spinal cord, which is the primary carrier of communication between the brains to the other parts of the body. This closely guarded system is the Peripheral Nervous System or the PNS. Any damage or trauma to the region can become life-threatening and may lead to paralysis. It may lead to the rise of symptoms such as pain, weakness, numbness, or mild tingling. Hence, care should be taken of the spine and an accurate and erect posture should be maintained to avoid damage and injury to the spine. The various parts of the spine have been described below:
C1: Head and neck
C2: Diaphragm
C3: Upper body muscles (e.g. Deltoids, Biceps)
C4: Wrist extensors
C5: Triceps
C6: Hands
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