The long neck.
Lateral x-rays of the cervical spine showed more than seven vertebrae above the clavicle in 65 cases. Comparison with "short-necked" individuals, where the corresponding number of vertebrae was seven of less, revealed a much lower incidence of arthrosis in the long-necked individuals. Neurovascular examination revealed no significant differences between the two groups. The increased incidence of arthrotic changes in the short-necked individuals could be related to the repartition of an equal range of cervical mobility between a smaller number of articulations.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000002:abnormalities*; D011859:Radiography