Human Spine-Anatomy of Seventh Cervical Vertebra

Third to sixth cervical vertebra are typical in anatomical structure. But as the cervical spine approaches its end, its last vertebra C7 changes in shape.

Seventh also known as the vertebra prominens because of its long spinous process, the tip of which can be felt through the skin at the lower end of the nuchal furrow.

It spine is thick, long and nearly horizontal. It is not bifid, but ends in a tubercle.The transverse processes are comparatively large in size, the posterior root is larger than the anterior. The anterior tubercle is absent. The foramen transversarium is relatively small, sometimes double, or may be entirely absent.

Attachments

• The tip of the spine provides attachments to the ligamentum nuchae, the trapezius, the rhomboideus minor, the serratus posterior superior, the splenius capitis, the semispinalis thoracis, the spinalis cervicis, the interspinales, and the multifidus.
• Transverse process. The foramen transversarium usually transmits only an accessory vertebral vein. The posterior tubercle provides attachment to the suprapleural membrane. The lower border provides attachment to the levator costarum.
• The anterior root of the transverse process may sometimes be separate. It then forms a cervical rib of variable size. Cervical rib is an accessory rib in some individuals which can produce discomforts of varying degrees by compressing on neural and vascular structures in the neck.

Text adapted from: Human Anatomy by BD Chaurasia

Image Credit: Wikipedia

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