mammalian cervical vertebra 7

C7 vertebra

Vertebra prominens is the proper name for the seventh cervical vertebra. The most distinctive characteristic of this vertebra is the existence of a long and prominent spinous process which is palpable from the skin surface, hence the name. This spinous process is thick, nearly horizontal in direction, not bifurcated, but terminating in a tubercle to which the lower end of the ligamentum nuchae is attached. The seventh cervical vertebra (C7) has the most prominent spinous process only in about 70% of people; in the remainder, either C6 or T1 (the first thoracic vertebra) will be the most prominent. The transverse processes are of considerable size, their posterior roots are large and prominent, while the anterior are small and faintly marked; the upper surface of each has usually a shallow sulcus for the eighth spinal nerve, and its extremity seldom presents more than a trace of bifurcation. The foramen transversarium may be as large as that in the other cervical vertebrae, but is generally smaller on one or both sides; occasionally it is double, sometimes it is absent. On the left side it occasionally gives passage to the vertebral artery; more frequently the vertebral vein traverses it on both sides; but the usual arrangement is for both artery and vein to pass in front of the transverse process, and not through the foramen. Sometimes the anterior root of the transverse process attains a large size and exists as a separate bone, which is known as a cervical rib.

Tipo Bone
Estructura principal cervical vertebra
Nombre latino C7 vertebra
FMA ID 12525

Preguntas frecuentes

What is cervical vertebra 7 also known as?
Cervical vertebra 7 is known as the vertebra prominens, named for its characteristically long and prominent spinous process that is visible and palpable through the skin at the base of the neck.
How does the spinous process of C7 differ from other cervical vertebrae?
Unlike the spinous processes of C2–C6, which are typically bifurcated (split at the tip), the spinous process of C7 is long, thick, and not bifurcated, making it the most prominent bony landmark at the back of the neck.
What ligament attaches to C7?
The ligamentum nuchae, a strong fibrous ligament running along the back of the neck, attaches to the spinous process of C7. This ligament provides support for the head and serves as an attachment point for neck muscles.
What is the clinical significance of the vertebra prominens?
C7 serves as an important bony landmark in clinical examination, used to count vertebral levels from above. It is palpated at the base of the posterior neck and is a reference point in spinal surgery and radiology.
Does C7 have a transverse foramen like other cervical vertebrae?
C7 typically has a very small transverse foramen that usually does not transmit the vertebral artery (unlike C1–C6), though it may carry small accessory vertebral veins.

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.