Where the seventh cervical vertebra (c7) sits in the skeleton

The seventh cervical vertebra (C7) is the 7th of the seven cervical (neck) vertebrae. It helps carry the head and lets the neck bend and turn; the spinal cord runs through its central opening. Its spinous process is the prominent bump at the base of the back of the neck. This is why it is called the vertebra prominens. Its spinous process is long and not split, and its transverse foramina are small: the vertebral artery usually enters at the sixth cervical vertebra instead. The eighth cervical nerve leaves below it.

Frequently asked questions

Which part of the skeleton is the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) in?

The seventh cervical vertebra (C7) is one of the bones of the vertebral column. Seven cervical, twelve thoracic and five lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum are stacked to support the trunk and enclose the spinal cord.

How many vertebrae are there?

The spine has 24 separate vertebrae. From the top there are seven cervical (neck), twelve thoracic (upper back) and five lumbar (lower back) vertebrae, followed by the sacrum and the coccyx.

Which bones are above and below the seventh cervical vertebra (C7)?

Above the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) is the sixth cervical vertebra (C6), and below it is the first thoracic vertebra (T1).

Why are there eight cervical nerves but seven cervical vertebrae?

The first cervical nerve leaves between the skull and the atlas, each following nerve leaves above the vertebra of the same number, and the eighth leaves below the seventh vertebra.

Other bones of the vertebral column

Joints of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7)

Compare with similar bones

Bone counts

By region

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Related reading

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