cervical vertebra

(anatomy) Any of the bones in the neck region of the vertebral column; the transverse process has a characteristic perforation by a transverse foramen.

One of seven bones, identified as C1-C7, which are the smallest and lightest of the vertebrae. Each cervical vertebra has a transverse process containing a foramen through which the large vertebral arteries ascend to the neck to reach the brain. The first two cervical vertebrae are the atlas and axis.