What makes cervical vertebrae unique?

There are seven cervical vertebrae in the human body. They have three main distinguishing features: Bifid spinous process – the spinous process bifurcates at its distal end. Exceptions to this are C1 (no spinous process) and C7 (spinous process is longer than that of C2-C6 and may not bifurcate).Click to see full answer. Also asked, which features are unique to all cervical vertebrae?The main anatomical characteristics of a typical cervical vertebra that separate it from other types of vertebrae are the small size, transverse foramina, saddle-shaped body, and bifid spinous process (Fig.Also, how is the Atlas different from other cervical vertebrae? The atlas and axis have additional features that mark them apart from the other cervical vertebrae. The atlas is the first cervical vertebra and articulates with the occiput of the head and the axis (C2). It differs from the other cervical vertebrae in that it has no vertebral body and no spinous process. what features are unique to lumbar vertebrae? Distinguishing features of the lumbar vertebrae include a thick and stout vertebral body, a blunt, quadrilateral spinous process for the attachment of strong lumbar muscles, and articular processes that are oriented differently than those found on the other vertebrae.What features of the atlas and axis are unique?The atlas is the topmost vertebra and with the axis forms the joint connecting the skull and spine. The atlas and axis are specialized to allow a greater range of motion than normal vertebrae. They are responsible for the nodding and rotation movements of the head.