The typical transverse process of a cervical vertebra also has anterior and posterior tubercles for muscle attachment. The anterior tubercles are derived from the same embryological elements that give rise to ribs in the thoracic region. Occasionally, cervical ribs develop from these elements, particularly in association with the lower cervical vertebrae.
The upper two cervical vertebrae (CI and CII) are modified for moving the head (Fig. 8.8B–E; see also
Chapter 2).