Where the sixth cervical vertebra (c6) sits in the skeleton
The sixth cervical vertebra (C6) is the 6th 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. The front tubercle of its transverse process is large and is called the carotid tubercle. At this level the larynx continues into the trachea and the pharynx into the oesophagus, with the cricoid cartilage in front.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the sixth cervical vertebra (C6) in?
The sixth cervical vertebra (C6) 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 sixth cervical vertebra (C6)?
Above the sixth cervical vertebra (C6) is the fifth cervical vertebra (C5), and below it is the seventh cervical vertebra (C7).
At what level do the oesophagus and trachea begin?
At the sixth cervical vertebra, below the cricoid cartilage, where the larynx becomes the trachea and the pharynx becomes the oesophagus.
Other bones of the vertebral column
- Atlas (C1)
- Axis (C2)
- Third cervical vertebra (C3)
- Fourth cervical vertebra (C4)
- Fifth cervical vertebra (C5)
- Seventh cervical vertebra (C7)
- First thoracic vertebra (T1)
- Second thoracic vertebra (T2)
- Third thoracic vertebra (T3)
- Fourth thoracic vertebra (T4)
- Fifth thoracic vertebra (T5)
- Sixth thoracic vertebra (T6)
- Seventh thoracic vertebra (T7)
- Eighth thoracic vertebra (T8)
- Ninth thoracic vertebra (T9)
- Tenth thoracic vertebra (T10)
- Eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11)
- Twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12)
- First lumbar vertebra (L1)
- Second lumbar vertebra (L2)
- Third lumbar vertebra (L3)
- Fourth lumbar vertebra (L4)
- Fifth lumbar vertebra (L5)
- Sacrum
Joints of the sixth cervical vertebra (C6)
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
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