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Dissection of anterior aspect of vertebral column

Cervical region.

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Image #220-3
Diagram Image
Legend Image
Dissection of anterior aspect of vertebral column
Cervical region.
The longus coli, rectus capitis anterior, rectus capitis lateralis, and some of the cervical intertransverse muscles have been cut away. In addition, the transverse processes of the atlas, the axis, and the fifth cervical vertebra have been cut so that the course of the vertebral artery (17) is visible. The artery did not pass through the transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebra in this specimen.
  1. Nasal cavity
  2. Area of insertion of longus capitis muscle
  3. Nasopharynx
  4. Longus colli muscle (transected close to insertion on anterior tubercle of atlas)
  5. Superior cervical ganglion
  6. Lingual nerve
  7. Areas of insertion of longus colli muscle on bodies of vertebra C. III - V
  8. Upper pointer: Position of intervertebral disc uniting vertebra C. IV - V Lower pointer: Body of vertebra C. V
  9. Internal carotid artery
  10. Hypoglossal nerve (XII) (emerging from hypoglossal canal)
  11. Atlanto-occipital joint
  12. Ventral branch cervical nerve I (branch communicating with hypoglossal nerve cut away)
  13. Posterior arch of atlas
  14. Lateral atlantoaxial joint
  15. Ventral branch cervical nerve II
  16. Rami communicantes (gray)
  17. Vertebral artery
  18. Cervical nerve III
  19. Anterior intertransverse muscle
  20. Dorsal branch cervical nerve IV
  21. Posterior intertransverse muscle
  22. Ventral branch cervical nerve IV
  23. Ramus communicans (gray)
  24. Sympathetic trunk
  25. Anterior tubercle vertebra C. V
  26. Cervical nerve VI