C7 vertebra

Vertebra cervicalis C7

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What it is
Vertebra prominens: the last cervical vertebra, with a long non-bifid spinous process easily felt at the base of the neck.
Function
Transitions the flexible cervical spine to the rigid thoracic spine and anchors the nuchal ligament.
Size
Body 28 mm wide × 16 mm deep × 14 mm tall; canal ≈ 18 mm
Clinical note
Its spine is the usual landmark for counting vertebrae on the back.

Nearby skeletal structures C3 vertebra, C4 vertebra, C5 vertebra, C6 vertebra, Intervertebral disc C2–C3, Intervertebral disc C3–C4, Intervertebral disc C4–C5, Intervertebral disc C5–C6, Intervertebral disc C6–C7, Intervertebral disc C7–T1