Intervertebral Disk of Third Cervical Vertebra (C3–C4) (Discus intervertebralis C3–C4)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The intervertebral disk of the third cervical vertebra (C3–C4) is a fibrocartilaginous symphysis interposed between the vertebral bodies of C3 and C4. It is thicker anteriorly than posteriorly, contributing to the natural lordotic curvature of the cervical spine, and resists vertical axial compression while enabling multi-directional cervical motion.
Clinical notes
Posterolateral protrusion or uncinate spurring at C3–C4 compresses the C4 spinal nerve root, presenting with neck and trapezius ridge pain and diaphragm/scapular sensory paresthesias.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Intervertebral Disk of Third Cervical Vertebra (C3–C4)?
The intervertebral disk of the third cervical vertebra (C3–C4) is a fibrocartilaginous symphysis interposed between the vertebral bodies of C3 and C4. It is thicker anteriorly than posteriorly, contributing to the natural lordotic curvature of the cervical spine, and resists vertical axial compression while enabling multi-directional cervical motion.
Why is the Intervertebral Disk of Third Cervical Vertebra (C3–C4) clinically important?
Posterolateral protrusion or uncinate spurring at C3–C4 compresses the C4 spinal nerve root, presenting with neck and trapezius ridge pain and diaphragm/scapular sensory paresthesias.
Source & license
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