Where the third cervical vertebra (c3) sits in the skeleton
The third cervical vertebra (C3) is the 3rd 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 third to sixth cervical vertebrae are typical neck vertebrae: each transverse process has a foramen for the vertebral artery, and the spinous process often has a split tip. The hyoid bone lies at this level.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the third cervical vertebra (C3) in?
The third cervical vertebra (C3) 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 third cervical vertebra (C3)?
Above the third cervical vertebra (C3) is the axis (C2), and below it is the fourth cervical vertebra (C4).
Which neck nerves form the nerve to the diaphragm?
The phrenic nerve comes from the third, fourth and fifth cervical nerves. The third cervical nerve leaves between the second and third cervical vertebrae.
Other bones of the vertebral column
- Atlas (C1)
- Axis (C2)
- Fourth cervical vertebra (C4)
- 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 third cervical vertebra (C3)
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
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