Vertebra prominens, also known as the seventh cervical vertebra or C7, is a key structure in the anatomy of the human spine. Located in the neck region, it plays an important role in the support and movement of the head and neck.
Structure of Vertebra prominens
Like all vertebrae, C7 consists of a body, a neural arch, and a number of processes. The body, also known as the centrum, is the weight-bearing portion of the vertebra and is oval in shape. It is located in the front part of the vertebra and is joined to the neural arch by a series of intervertebral discs.
The neural arch is a bony arch that surrounds and protects the spinal cord. It consists of two pedicles and two laminae, which join together to form a foramen (hole) through which the spinal cord passes.
C7 has a number of processes, which are bony protuberances that provide attachment points for muscles and ligaments. These include the transverse processes, which are located on either side of the vertebra, and the spinous process, which is a long, thin projection that extends posteriorly from the neural arch.
One of the most distinctive features of C7 is the presence of a prominent bump on the spinous process, which gives the vertebra its name. This bump, known as the spinous tubercle, is larger and more pronounced than the spinous processes of the other cervical vertebrae and can easily be felt through the skin.
Location
Vertebra prominens is located in the neck region, at the base of the skull. It is the seventh cervical vertebra, counting from the top of the spine down. It is located above the thoracic vertebrae and below the first thoracic vertebra (T1).
In the upright position, C7 is located at the level of the sternal angle, which is the angle formed by the junction of the manubrium (upper part of the sternum) and the body of the sternum. It is also located at the level of the laryngeal prominence, which is the Adam’s apple in males and the thyroid cartilage in females.
Function
C7 plays an important role in the support and movement of the head and neck. Along with the other cervical vertebrae, it forms part of the cervical spine, which is responsible for the movement and flexibility of the neck.
C7 also provides attachment points for a number of muscles and ligaments, including the splenius capitis and semispinalis capitis muscles, which are responsible for extending and rotating the head, and the longus colli and longus capitis muscles, which are responsible for flexing and extending the neck.
In addition to its role in movement, C7 also helps to protect the spinal cord and provide structural support for the head and neck. The neural arch and processes of C7 help to distribute the weight of the head evenly across the spine, while the intervertebral discs provide cushioning and shock absorption.
Clinical significance
Vertebra prominens can be involved in a number of clinical conditions. One common condition is spondylitis, which is an inflammation of the vertebrae. Spondylitis can cause pain and stiffness in the neck, as well as a reduced range of motion. It is often treated with a combination of medications, physical therapy, and rest.
Another condition that can affect C7 is a cervical herniated disc, which occurs when the intervertebral disc in the neck ruptures or bulges out of place. This can cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck, arms, and legs. Treatment for a cervical herniated disc may include medications, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery.
In rare cases, C7 may also be affected by tumorous growths, such as osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer) or chordoma (a rare type of spinal tumor). These growths can cause pain, weakness, and numbness in the neck and arms, and may require surgical removal and/or chemotherapy.
In addition to these conditions, C7 may also be affected by injuries, such as fractures or dislocations. These injuries can occur due to trauma, such as a car accident or sports injury, and may require surgical intervention to repair the damaged vertebra.
