What Is Special About C7?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The 7th cervical (C7) vertebra is

the largest and most inferior vertebra in the neck region

. … This spinous process can be easily seen and felt at the base of the neck, making it a prominent landmark of the skeleton and giving the C7 the name vertebra prominens.

What is unique about C7?

C7 possesses

the standard cervical vertebral features

but has some distinct features: spinous process ends in a rounded tubercle and is not bifid. C7 transverse foramina are small, and do not transmit the vertebral artery.

Why is C7 important?

Because of its large spinous process and its location at the base of the neck, C7

serves as an attachment site for many muscles

.

Why is C7 atypical?

C7 may be considered typical or atypical but has two distinct features. The first is that unlike the rest of the cervical vertebrae, is that the vertebral artery does not traverse the transverse foramen. The second is that it

contains a long spinous process

, also known as “vertebra prominens.”

What does C7 nerve control?

C7 helps control

the triceps

(the large muscle on the back of the arm that straightens the elbow) and wrist extensor muscles.

1 , 3

. The C7 dermatome goes down the back of the arm and into the middle finger.

What does C7 stand for?

Acronym Definition C7 Seventh Component of Complement C7 Cervical Vertebra 7

What part of the body does C7 affect?

The C7 myotome is a group of muscles controlled by the C7 nerve. These muscles include those involved in

straightening the elbow

, lifting the wrist, elongating the fingers to an outstretched hand, and the triceps muscle in the upper arm.

How serious is a C7 fracture?

A C7 spinal cord injury

may result in quadriplegia

, which describes paralysis in the arms, legs, and sometimes, the trunk. However, because the C7 segment is further down the cervical region of the spinal cord, the majority of your arm functions may be spared.

What helps C7 pain?

A few methods to control this pain are: Medication.

Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications

are used to treat pain stemming from C6-C7. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, tramadol, and/or corticosteroids are a few examples of pain-relieving medications that may be used.

Why is my C7 so big?

The spinus process of the C7 vertebrae

is anatomically larger than the rest of the cervical spine processes

. If this is the only cause of the hump there is little to do. Most everyone has this bony protuberance sticking out more than the others.

Is C7 typical or atypical?

Of the cervical vertebrae, the atlas (C1), axis (C2) and vertebra prominens (C7) are

considered atypical cervical vertebrae

. The atlas (C1) lacks a body or spinous process.

Is your neck connected to your spine?

The neck is

connected to the upper back through a series of seven vertebral segments

. The cervical spine has 7 stacked bones called vertebrae, labeled C1 through C7. The top of the cervical spine connects to the skull, and the bottom connects to the upper back at about shoulder level.

What is the difference between typical and atypical vertebra?

The key difference between typical and atypical vertebrae is that

typical vertebrae consist of all basic components of a vertebra

while atypical vertebrae are the vertebrae that have modified structure due to their position and function.

How do you treat a pinched nerve C7?

  1. rest.
  2. soft cervical collar.
  3. hot or cold compress.
  4. practicing good posture.
  5. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  6. acupuncture.
  7. massage.
  8. yoga.

What muscles are innervated by C7?

From the lateral cord, C5, C6, and C7 supply the

pectoralis major and minor muscles

, via the lateral and medial pectoral nerves, as well as the coracobrachialis, brachialis and biceps brachii, via the musculocutaneous nerve.

What nerves are affected by C7 T1?


C8 spinal nerve

.

The C8 spinal nerve exits the spinal cord in between the C7 and T1 vertebrae through a small bony opening called the intervertebral foramen. This nerve has a sensory root and a motor root.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.