Vertebra prominens

The term [vertebra prominens] is Latin and means the "prominent vertebra". It refers to the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) because of its long spinous process. Because of the anterior lordotic curvature of the cervical spine, their short spinous processes, and the presence of the ligamentum nuchae, the cervical vertebrae are usually not palpable with the exception of the vertebra prominens.

If you slide a finger down the nape of your neck in the midline, the first "bump" that is felt in the spine is the vertebra prominens, the next one down is T1, and so forth.

The vertebra prominens has foramina transversaria as do all cervical vertebrae. The only difference is that the vertebral artery usually is not found in the C7 foramina, opposite of the rest of the cervical vertebrae. The vertebral veins do pass through the foramina transversaria of the vertebra prominens.

Lateral view of the cervicothoracic spine
Image property of: CAA.Inc.
Photographer:
David M. Klein

Back to MTD Main Page Subscribe to MTD