Definition

Noun: - One of the cervical vertebrae: A "neck bone" is any one of the seven small, cylindrical bones that form the skeletal structure of the neck in humans and many other vertebrates. These bones are stacked on top of each other and are collectively called the cervical spine.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The chiropractor gently adjusted a misaligned neck bone.
  • A whiplash injury can sometimes cause a fracture in a neck bone.
  • The seven neck bones provide support for the head and allow for its movement.

Advanced Usage

• Medical/Anatomical Context: The term "neck bone" is a common, non-technical term. In formal medical or anatomical contexts, the specific bones are referred to as cervical vertebrae (C1 through C7).
  • While "neck bone" is understood, the doctor's report will list the injury as a fracture of the fifth cervical vertebra.

Variants and Related Words

• Cervical vertebra (n): The formal anatomical term for a neck bone.
• Vertebra (n): The general term for any of the segments of the spinal column; a neck bone is a type of vertebra.
• Spine (n): The series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the lower back; the neck is the upper part of the spine.

Synonyms

• Cervical vertebra: The direct technical synonym.
• Vertebra of the neck: A descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases

• To break a neck bone: To fracture one of the cervical vertebrae.
  • The fall was so severe he was lucky not to break a neck bone.
• Stiff neck bones: A colloquial way to describe stiffness in the cervical spine.
  • Sleeping in a bad position gave me stiff neck bones all day.

Noun

1. one of 7 vertebrae in the human spine located in the neck region