Seventh cervical vertebra: anatomy, location and function

Also called

C7

What it is

The seventh of the seven cervical (neck) vertebrae, labelled C7.

Location

Lies at the base of the neck between C6 and the first thoracic vertebra (T1).

Function

Supports the head and allows neck movement, while its vertebral foramen protects the spinal cord and its transverse foramen carries the vertebral artery.

Body system

Skeletal · single, midline structure

FMA ID

FMA12525 (Foundational Model of Anatomy)

Key facts

• Called the vertebra prominens because its long, non-bifid spinous process is easily felt at the base of the neck (T1 can be just as prominent).
• Its transverse foramina are small and usually transmit only small veins, not the vertebral artery.
• The C8 spinal nerve leaves below C7, between C7 and T1.

Clinical relevance

Its prominent spinous process is a key surface landmark for counting vertebrae.

The nearest named structures in the 3D model, measured from the centre of each part:

• Sixth cervical vertebra · skeletal
• First thoracic vertebra · skeletal
• Intervertebral disk of seventh cervical vertebra · skeletal
• Intervertebral disk of sixth cervical vertebra · skeletal
• Spinalis · muscular
• Fifth cervical vertebra · skeletal
• Semispinalis cervicis · muscular
• Intervertebral disk of fifth cervical vertebra · skeletal
• Intervertebral disk of first thoracic vertebra · skeletal
• Second thoracic vertebra · skeletal