What makes C7 unique?
Unique Vertebra: C7 Not only is C7’s spinous process significantly bigger than those of the vertebrae above, it is also a different shape to better fit with T1 below. C7 also lacks holes (foramina in its transverse processes) for vertebral arteries to pass, which are present in all of the other cervical vertebrae.
What passes through foramen transversarium of C7?
Foramen transversarium is situated on the transverse process of the C1- C7 cervical vertebrae. It transmits the vertebral artery, veins and sympathetic nerves.
Why is C7 called vertebra prominens?
The seventh cervical vertebra is known as the vertebra prominens because of its prominent spinous process (Fig. 5-14). The spinous process of C7 is the most prominent of the cervical region, although occasionally C6 is more prominent (C6 is the last cervical vertebra with palpable movement in flexion and extension).
What is the bifid spinous process?
A bifid spinous process is a feature of a typical cervi- cal vertebra such as C3–C6. It has been rare for past research studies to re- port bifid spinous processes in the C7 vertebra. An exception is a single study which reports a non-bifid spinous process in 98% of cases [3].
What artery passes through the foramen transversarium?
the vertebral artery
Through the foramina transversaria (plural form) pass the vertebral artery and vertebral vein. The vertebral artery is one of the first branches to arise off the subclavian arteries.
Which vertebrae are bifid?
cervical vertebrae
Another feature unique to the cervical vertebrae is the bifid spinous process (See “physiologic variants” section), which may serve to increase surface area for muscle attachment. The spinous process of cervical vertebrae increases as the spinal column descends.
Which cervical vertebrae are bifid?
C3-6
The C3-6 spinous processes are bifid and C7 is the largest (Fig. 5-7). The transverse processes, of the atlas and axis, have vertebral foramina that transmit the vertebral artery.
Can C7 cause chest pain?
Cervical angina is one potential cause of noncardiac chest pain and originates from disorders of the cervical spine. Although the exact incidence is unknown, in 1 series of 241 patients with C7 radiculopathy undergoing anterior cervical diskectomy, 16% of the patients had associated chest pain or subscapular pain.
Can cervical neck problems cause jaw pain?
As shown in many studies, there is a very close relationship between the upper cervical spine and a person’s jaw posture. People may experience neck discomfort or they may experience headaches, jaw pain, ear ringing or even vertigo.
Which vertebrae have bifid spinous process?
Cervical vertebrae usually have a bifid (Y-shaped) spinous process. The spinous processes of the C3–C6 vertebrae are short, but the spine of C7 is much longer.