American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT) Practice Exam

The spinous process of a typical cervical vertebra is characterized by having a bifid tip, which means that it is split into two distinct points at its end. This anatomical feature is significant as it provides attachment points for muscles and ligaments that contribute to the stability and movement of the cervical spine. The bifid nature of the cervical spinous processes is unique to this region of the spine and is instrumental in differentiating cervical vertebrae from those in other regions, such as the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae, where spinous processes tend to be longer, thicker, and more prominent without such a bifid feature. This bifid characteristic also aids in the identification of cervical vertebrae in imaging studies, making it an important element in radiographic assessments.