[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) › C2–C3 nucleus [Joints and ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/joints-and-ligaments/) · [Spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) # C2–C3 nucleus The nucleus pulposus is the soft, gel-like centre of the [C2-C3](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/c2-c3/) disc in the neck; it works like a water cushion that spreads the load. Official name: C2-C3 [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=spine&select=nucleus_c2_c3&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is The soft, gel-like centre (nucleus pulposus) of the C2–C3 disc. ## What it does Works like a water cushion: it turns pressure from above into outward push on the fibre ring, spreading the load. It is under the most pressure when you bend forward and lift. ## Key points - In the neck, a foraminal herniation and a posterolateral one hit the same root (here C3), because each cervical root runs almost horizontally out of its foramen - Cervical nuclei are small and, by middle age, largely fibrous, so a soft herniation at C2–C3 is rare ## Key facts **Where** Centre of the C2–C3 disc, slightly toward the back, inside the annulus fibrosus **Function** Notochord-derived gel (about 70–90% water, proteoglycans); turns axial load into annulus tension; herniates posterolaterally toward the C3 root ## Relations **Behind** Back of the annulus fibrosus and the [posterior longitudinal ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/posterior-longitudinal-ligament/), broad here and continuing upward as the tectorial membrane, then the [spinal cord](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/spinal-cord/) **Lateral** Uncovertebral joints of C3, with the C3 root behind them and the [vertebral artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vertebral-artery/) in the transverse foramina further out ## How to find it From the front, at about the height of the angle of the [mandible](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/mandible/), just above the [hyoid bone](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/hyoid-bone/) (about C3). The nucleus sits in the middle of the disc, deep behind the [pharynx](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/pharynx/). ## On imaging In a congenital C2–C3 block, the lateral X-ray shows a narrow «wasp waist» where the disc should be, and MRI shows no nucleus. ## Common problems - Squeezes out through a tear in the ring (herniation), usually backward and to one side, toward a nerve root. - Loses water with age, so the disc gets thinner and stiffer. ## How it is diagnosed On MRI a healthy nucleus is bright on T2 images; a worn one turns dark ('black disc'). ## Treatment - In a microdiscectomy only the loose piece that has pushed out is removed; most of the disc stays. ## Clinical notes - A C3 root lesion gives upper neck and back-of-head pain with no dependable weakness or reflex change, so it is hard to tell from facet or muscle pain - Anterior surgery at C2–C3 lies high under the jaw, near the hypoglossal and superior laryngeal nerves, which makes it harder than at lower levels ## Anatomical variants - Congenital fusion of C2 and C3, alone or as part of Klippel–Feil syndrome, is the most frequent cervical fusion; the disc and its nucleus are then absent or reduced to a thin remnant ## Development Like every nucleus pulposus it comes from the notochord. There is no disc above it: the dens is the body of the [atlas](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/atlas/) fused to the [axis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/axis/), and the cartilage line at its base (subdental synchondrosis), a remnant of a disc, can be mistaken for a fracture in young children. ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Which root does a posterolateral herniation of the C2–C3 nucleus reach, and why does a foraminal one reach the same root? The C3 root; each cervical root runs almost horizontally out of its foramen, so both herniation sites hit the same root. ## Why is a soft herniation of the C2–C3 nucleus rare? Cervical nuclei are small and, by middle age, largely fibrous. ## How does a congenital C2–C3 block look on imaging? The lateral X-ray shows a narrow «wasp waist» where the disc should be, and MRI shows no nucleus. 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For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** nucleus pulposus C2-C3 TA2 1686 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Núcleo pulposo C2-C3 DeCS D000070614 **English (TA2)** C2-C3 ## Related - [C2–C3 disc](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/c2-c3/) - [Axis (C2)](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/axis/) - [C3 vertebra](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cervical-vertebrae/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=56248&filter=ths_termall&q=N%C3%BAcleo%20Pulposo); [Anatomy, Back, Nucleus Pulposus](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535373/); [Anatomy, Back, Intervertebral Discs](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470583/); Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Articulations of the Vertebral Column (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain. ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/c2-c3-spine-and-pelvis/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/c2-c3-spine-and-pelvis/