C7 Spine: C7 has enlarged spinous process called vertebra prominence. It is the most prominent structure that can be palpated when we pass our finger downwards from the skull. Its spine is thick, long and nearly horizontal. It is not bifid but ends in a tubercle.
The transverse processes are comparatively large in size, the posterior root is larger than the anterior. The anterior tubercle is absent. The transverse foramen is relatively small or may be entirely absent.
The anterior root of the transverse process may sometimes be separate. It then forms a cervical rib of variable size.
The cervical rib is an accessory rib for some individuals. It may be symptomless but frequently it leads t to pain and produces discomforts of varying degrees. This occurs due to compression of nerves and vessels in the neck by the rib.
C7 Spine Attachment
The tip of the spine of the vertebra provides attachments to the ligamentum nuchae, the trapezius, the rhomboideus minor, the serratus posterior superior, the splenius capitis, the semispinalis thoracic, the spinalis cervicis, the interspinalis, and the multifidus.
In the transverse process, the foramen transversarium usually transmits only an accessory vertebral vein. The posterior tubercle provides attachment to the suprapleural membrane. The lower border provides attachment to the levator costarum.