Intervertebral disk of axis: anatomy, location and function

What it is

The intervertebral disc between C2 and C3 (the C2–C3 disc), a fibrocartilage pad with a gel-like nucleus pulposus inside a ring-like anulus fibrosus.

Location

Between the bodies of C2 and C3, the disc directly below the named vertebra (the C2/C3 disc).

Function

Absorbs compressive loads and allows slight movement between vertebrae.

Body system

Skeletal · single, midline structure

FMA ID

FMA25058 (Foundational Model of Anatomy)

Key facts

• It is the highest intervertebral disc: there is no disc between the skull and C1 or between C1 and C2.
• The C3 spinal nerve leaves through the intervertebral foramen at this level, because cervical nerves exit above the vertebra of the same number.
• Cervical discs are thicker in front than behind, which helps create the cervical lordosis; uncovertebral joints (of Luschka) flank the cervical discs from C2–C3 to C6–C7.

Clinical relevance

Herniation here is uncommon; it would compress the C3 root, causing neck and suboccipital pain.

The nearest named structures in the 3D model, measured from the centre of each part:

• Pharyngeal raphe · digestive
• Superior oblique part of longus colli · muscular
• Longus capitis · muscular
• Intervertebral disk of third cervical vertebra · skeletal
• Vertebral artery · cardiovascular
• Axis · skeletal
• Third cervical vertebra · skeletal
• Posterior cervical intertransversarii · muscular
• Anterior cervical intertransversarii · muscular
• Palatopharyngeus · muscular