There are a total of 7 cervical vertebra, out of which C1 (Atlas) and C2 (Axis) are atypical. Their characteristics include:
The body is wider than than it is tall
Spinous process is short and forked, except for C7.
Vertebral foramen is triangular
Transverse processes contain transverse formamina
Articular facets face supero-posteriorly and infero-anteriorly.
Superior view of a cervical vertebra. Annotated version here. (Picture taken with a Hasselblad 120/4 on Aptus 65)Inferior view of a cervical vertebra (C7). Annotated version here. (Picture taken with a Hasselblad 120/4 on Aptus 65)Cervical vertebra showing prominent bifid spinous process, triangular vertebral foramen, and pair of transverse foramina. (Picture taken with NEX-6)
Kit Ng, Ph.D. 