Sixth cervical vertebra: anatomy, location and function

Also called

C6

What it is

The sixth of the seven cervical (neck) vertebrae, labelled C6.

Location

Lies in the lower cervical spine between C5 and C7.

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

FMA12524 (Foundational Model of Anatomy)

Key facts

• The anterior tubercle of its transverse process is enlarged as the carotid tubercle, against which the common carotid artery can be compressed.
• The cricoid cartilage lies at about the level of C6.
• The vertebral artery usually enters the transverse foramen of C6 (about 90% of people) and runs up through C6 to C1.
• At C6 the larynx becomes the trachea and the pharynx becomes the oesophagus.

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

• Fifth cervical vertebra · skeletal
• Seventh cervical vertebra · skeletal
• Intervertebral disk of fifth cervical vertebra · skeletal
• Intervertebral disk of sixth cervical vertebra · skeletal
• Fourth cervical vertebra · skeletal
• Vertical intermediate part of longus colli · muscular
• Cervical rotator · muscular
• Intervertebral disk of fourth cervical vertebra · skeletal
• First thoracic vertebra · skeletal
• Intervertebral disk of seventh cervical vertebra · skeletal