Question

you were instructed to read the surgical anatomy of the uncinate process and transverse foramen determined by computed tomography. the range of vertebrae the uncinate process are found? from C3- _______?

Answer 1

Uncinate process is a hook-shaped process of cervical spine. It is found on either sides of vertebral body on the superolateral margin. It is found from C3-C7 vertebra

Sometimes it can be seen variably extending upto T1 and T2.

They are positioned more anteriorly in upper cervical spine and located more posteriorly in lower cervical spine

It forms a joint with inferolateral portion of above vertebral body which is called Luschka joint or uncovertebral joint.

It helps to maaintain the position of intervertebral disc during axial rotation and also maintain integrity of intervertebral formen by limiting lateral flexion.

Transverse foramen of cervical vertebrae is an opening on each transverse process. Vertebral artery, vein and sympathetic nerves pass through this foramen in C1-C6. In C7 sometimes this foramen will be very small or absent.