The cervical spine is the most mobile region of the spine and enables the head with its sensory organs of sight, hearing and smell to be oriented independently from the trunk. The kinematics of the cervical spine are complex - seven vertebrae as well as articulations with the occiput and upper thoracic spine, each with different axes of ...

Position of part A true lateral position is required with the midsagittal plane parallel to the IR. The gonads are shielded. The patient is asked to stop breathing when the exposure is taken. The image demonstrates the lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae, approximately up to T4, with the shoulders separated.

A lordotic curvature exists in the cervical spine. For this reason, a cephalic angle is required to project through the long axis of the vertebral column. This angle can and will vary between 5-20° depending on the position of the head.

AP axial projection of the cervical spine. On the AP view of the cervical spine the bodies of the C-3 to C-7 vertebrae (in young patients the C-l and C-2 vertebrae may be visible) are well demonstrated, as are the uncovertebral (Luschka) joints, and the intervertebral disk spaces.

• AP axial 15°: Greater/lesser wings of sphenoid, frontal bone, and superior orbital fissures (magnified)