İKİNCİ FEN · İKİNCİ BÂB · İKİNCİ FASIL · İkinci Madde
**Article Two**
Concerning the Vertebrae of the Neck.
Know, esteemed one, that anatomists have stated: The vertebrae of the neck are created to serve the trachea, and the trachea is created for numerous benefits. Each vertebra is smaller and lighter than the load it bears, from the upper portion of the cervical vertebrae and the thoracic spine, so that the movements of the organs may occur in accordance with the wisdom of creation.
The sacral bone is the lowest and final of the spinal bones. It has been created as the largest and most robust. It appears before the formation of other bones within the uterine womb. And it is known that after all the bones, it will decay and become earth in the grave. The upper portion of the spinal cord within the cervical vertebrae is broad and dense, like subterranean channels, so their openings (cavities) are created wide. For the place where the nerves branch out has more towards the upper side than the lower side. Because the cervical vertebrae require smallness and wide openings, they have been created strong and resilient. The head of the spinal bones is small at the end of the ribs of the chest, large on its sides, and double-headed. Since the need for movement in these vertebrae is greater than the need for stability, the cervical vertebrae are more flexible and pliable than the lower joints. These joints are not greatly in need of strength, so they are created small, like the upper and lower projections of the spine.
The number seven of the cervical vertebrae is for balance in their length. Each of these vertebrae, except the first, has eleven protrusions each, which are sinuses, two branches, two wings (laminae), and four protrusions jointed upwards, and four protrusions jointed downwards. The circular cavity where the nerves emerge is divided by half between each vertebra. The first and second vertebrae possess certain characteristics not found in the other vertebrae.
For the movement of the head from side to side occurs with the joint located between it and the first vertebra. The forward and backward movement of the head occurs through the joint located between it and the second vertebra. The first joint is fixed upon the projection of the first vertebra. On its upper surface are two cavities into which enter the two-pronged projections of the cranial bone.
If one of these protrusions exits its cavity, and the other enters completely into its cavity, then the head inclines and bends towards that side. The second joint is the second vertebra. A long projection has been created on its front side, penetrating through the opening in front of the spinal cord of the first vertebra, and reaching the vertebra located within the cranial bone. If the aforementioned projection passes through the mentioned opening and enters the specified vertebra, then the head bends forward. If the protrusion exits from the opening, the head remains straight. If the protrusion also exits from the opening, the head inclines towards the back. The second vertebra also has a short projection on its posterior side; however, it does not move or pass through the opening located within the first vertebra. The characteristic of the first vertebra is that it lacks a projection. The benefit of this lack is that it does not harm the nerves and many of the muscles surrounding it because it is not heavy. Because the cavity is embedded in the cranial bone, it also has no need for wings.
For the place where the nerves terminate is close to the cavity, and the places are narrow, so the absence of wings is a wisdom of God. The characteristics of this cavity are that the nerves emerge from it, not from its sides or common cavities as they do from other vertebrae. Rather, all of them emerge like fine fibers through two openings on its upper posterior side. As they lengthen, they gradually thicken and become strong according to their places. The short projection of the second vertebra is located on its upper posterior side, and since nerve emergence holes are not possible there, its holes have been made from the sides of the projection. The projections of the second vertebra are connected to the first vertebra with powerful ligaments. The head joint has gained softness and flexibility through the first vertebra. It has been rendered flexible through the joints of the second vertebra and other vertebrae. For the need for the movements of the head performed by these two joints is more intense and greater. All of this is from the artistry of God, Most High.
"We praise Allah who creates all things in the most beautiful manner and gives them form. His glory is exalted, and His blessings encompass everyone. There is no god but He."