Where the fifth cervical vertebra (c5) sits in the skeleton
The fifth cervical vertebra (C5) is the 5th of the seven cervical (neck) vertebrae. It helps carry the head and lets the neck bend and turn; the spinal cord runs through its central opening. The fifth cervical nerve leaves between the fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae. In the neck each nerve leaves above the vertebra of the same number, and the brachial plexus, the network of nerves to the arm, begins with the fifth cervical nerve.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the fifth cervical vertebra (C5) in?
The fifth cervical vertebra (C5) is one of the bones of the vertebral column. Seven cervical, twelve thoracic and five lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum are stacked to support the trunk and enclose the spinal cord.
How many vertebrae are there?
The spine has 24 separate vertebrae. From the top there are seven cervical (neck), twelve thoracic (upper back) and five lumbar (lower back) vertebrae, followed by the sacrum and the coccyx.
Which bones are above and below the fifth cervical vertebra (C5)?
Above the fifth cervical vertebra (C5) is the fourth cervical vertebra (C4), and below it is the sixth cervical vertebra (C6).
Which nerves form the brachial plexus?
The front branches of the fifth cervical to the first thoracic nerves (C5 to T1).
Other bones of the vertebral column
- Atlas (C1)
- Axis (C2)
- Third cervical vertebra (C3)
- Fourth cervical vertebra (C4)
- Sixth cervical vertebra (C6)
- Seventh cervical vertebra (C7)
- First thoracic vertebra (T1)
- Second thoracic vertebra (T2)
- Third thoracic vertebra (T3)
- Fourth thoracic vertebra (T4)
- Fifth thoracic vertebra (T5)
- Sixth thoracic vertebra (T6)
- Seventh thoracic vertebra (T7)
- Eighth thoracic vertebra (T8)
- Ninth thoracic vertebra (T9)
- Tenth thoracic vertebra (T10)
- Eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11)
- Twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12)
- First lumbar vertebra (L1)
- Second lumbar vertebra (L2)
- Third lumbar vertebra (L3)
- Fourth lumbar vertebra (L4)
- Fifth lumbar vertebra (L5)
- Sacrum
Joints of the fifth cervical vertebra (C5)
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
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