The laminae connect by the discontiguous ligamentum flavum and help preserve upright posture. Immediately posterior to the body is the posterior longitudinal ligament that runs from the tectorial membrane to the sacrum and aids in limiting flexion. Anterior to the vertebral body is the anterior longitudinal ligament that runs from the skull down to the sacrum and aids in limiting extension. Two adjacent vertebrae form the vertebral foramen between each pedicle bilaterally. The ventral body has two pedicles coming off that lead to the lamina and join dorsally to make up the spinous process. These bones are made up of a ventral cylinder mass of cancellous bone called the body and a dorsal vertebral cortical arch. The endplates are made of thickened cancellous bone and are responsible for providing nutrients and attachments to the disk. Cortical compact bone then covers the rest of the cancellous bone. Cancellous spongy bone fills the center and then comes together to create the superior and inferior endplates. The word 'vertebra' originates from the Latin word meaning 'joint or articulation' or from the word 'vertere' meaning “to turn.” Embryologically the vertebral body is formed by the fusion of adjacent sclerotomes. The vertebrae are bones in the spine joined by articulations that not only protect the spinal cord but also allow axial loading and support of the limbs.

Unstable cervical spine x rays