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C7 (Vertebra Prominens)

The most caudal cervical vertebra – C7, or vertebra prominens has one specific feature – the long (compared to other cervical vertebrae) processus spinosus with no split at the tip. This process is so prominent that it allows localizing the vertebra by palpation.

Icon of crossfade image Markup for lateral view of seventh cervical vertebra
Lateral view of seventh cervical vertebra
C7 (vertebra prominens). The side view.
The list of terms: Processus spinosus – Spinous process
Sulcus nervi spinalis – Groove for spinal nerve
Icon of crossfade image Markup for top view of seventh cervical vertebra
Top view of seventh cervical vertebra
C7 or vertebra prominens. The top view.
Superior aspect shows the elongated processus spinosus without split tip. Note the presence of accessory foramen transversarium on both sides, a relatively common anatomic variant with the reported prevalence ranging from 1.4% to 41.6%* depending on ethnic groups.
The list of terms: Processus spinosus – Spinous process
Foramen transversarium
Foramen transversarium accessorium – Accessory foramen transversarium
  • * Quiles-Guiñau L, Gomez-Cabrero A, et al. Analysis of the cervical double transverse foramen in present Spanish population. Eur J Anat. 2016; 20(4):337–346.
    • Vertebra prominens. 360° rotation.
    First published: Nov/2019
    Last update: 24/Nov/2020