C-spine
Medical abbreviation · Anatomy
| Stands for | Cervical spine |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
C-spine stands for Cervical spine, an anatomy abbreviation.
The seven vertebrae of the neck (C1 to C7) with their discs, ligaments and joints, which support the head and protect the cervical spinal cord. After trauma the C-spine is immobilized in a collar until injury is excluded, and degenerative C-spine disease commonly causes neck pain and arm radiculopathy.
Example: C-spine cleared clinically by NEXUS criteria; collar removed.
Usage notes
The NEXUS criteria and the Canadian C-Spine Rule identify trauma patients who can safely skip imaging, and CT is the first test when imaging is needed. There are eight cervical nerve roots but only seven cervical vertebrae, because the C8 root exits below C7. "Clearing the C-spine" is a standard step of trauma assessment.
Related abbreviations
More anatomy abbreviations
- ACL – Anterior cruciate ligament
- ANS – Autonomic nervous system
- Ao – Aorta
- ASIS – Anterior superior iliac spine
- ATFL – Anterior talofibular ligament
- BBB – Blood-brain barrier
- C1 – First cervical vertebra (atlas)
- C2 – Second cervical vertebra (axis)
- C5-C6 – Fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae (intervertebral level)
- C7 – Seventh cervical vertebra (vertebra prominens)
- CBD – Common bile duct
- CFA – Common femoral artery
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.