Where the fourth cervical vertebra (c4) sits in the skeleton
The fourth cervical vertebra (C4) is the 4th 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 sides of the top of its body rise like hooks (uncinate processes) and interlock with the vertebra above. The upper border of the thyroid cartilage lies in front at this level, and the common carotid artery usually divides into the internal and external carotid arteries here.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the fourth cervical vertebra (C4) in?
The fourth cervical vertebra (C4) 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 fourth cervical vertebra (C4)?
Above the fourth cervical vertebra (C4) is the third cervical vertebra (C3), and below it is the fifth cervical vertebra (C5).
What lies in front of the fourth cervical vertebra?
The upper border of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx, and usually the point where the common carotid artery divides into the internal and external carotid arteries.
Other bones of the vertebral column
- Atlas (C1)
- Axis (C2)
- Third cervical vertebra (C3)
- Fifth cervical vertebra (C5)
- 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 fourth cervical vertebra (C4)
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
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