Cervical Vertebrae A typical cervical vertebra has a small body, a bifid spinous process, transverse processes that have a transverse foramen and are curved for spinal nerve passage.
What vertebrae has a bifid spinous process?
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.
Does C7 have a bifid spinous process?
C7 spinous process was monofid in 99.2% of cases , partially bifid in 0.5% of cases, and bifid in 0.3% of cases. T1 was monofid in all cases. A truly bifid C7 spinous process occurs 0.3% of the time and therefore is not a reliable landmark for choosing fusion levels.
Does C5 have a bifid spinous process?
A bifid spinous process occurred most commonly in C2 (89%) followed by C5 (83%), C4 (79%), C3 (59.4%), and C6 (41.7%) in the white sample.
Which vertebral level has a bifid or split spinous process?
The atlas pivots around the odontoid process. Typical cervical vertebrae (C3–C7): These vertebrae have bodies that are smaller than the other types, and the vertebral foramina are large and triangular in shape. The spinous processes are shorter and bifid (split into two projections) on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th vertebrae .
What are the 4 types of vertebrae?
There are 33 vertebrae in the human spine that are split into four regions that correspond to the curvature of the spine; the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx .
Which vertebra has longest spinous process?
In humans the seventh cervical vertebra tends to have the longest spinous processes (and is therefore often called the “vertebra prominens”).
What is the C7 spinous process?
A more prominent spinous process is present in C7, which is also known as vertebra prominens. This process (a bony protrusion or hump) can be felt at the base of the neck and provides attachment to more neck muscles compared to the other cervical vertebrae.
Why is C7 special?
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 a C7 spinous process fracture?
C7 spinous process. Specialty. Neurosurgery. Clay-shoveler’s fracture is a stable fracture through the spinous process of a vertebra occurring at any of the lower cervical or upper thoracic vertebrae , classically at C6 or C7.
What is the spinous process?
Spinous process is a bony projection off the posterior (back) of each vertebra . The spinous process protrudes where the laminae of the vertebral arch join and provides the point of attachment for muscles and ligaments of the spine.
Why are the spinous processes of cervical vertebrae bifid?
The spinous process of a typical cervical vertebra is short and bifid posteriorly. It is bifid because it develops from two separate secondary centers of ossification . This morphology is unique to cervical spinous processes.
What is the function of the bifid spinous process?
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.
Can you feel spinous process?
A spinous process is the thin, bony projection that extends off the back of each vertebrae. If you run your hand down your back, you can feel the spinous processes.
Why does my spinous process hurt?
Notably, the majority of spinous process inflammation is caused by chronic ligament injuries from sedentary and long-term weight-bearing activities. The resulting clinical symptoms are predominantly the spine local findings, such as significant back pain and reduced range of motion , with mild or no systemic symptoms.
What is the first palpable spinous process?
First locate the external occipital protuberance (SOP, see p. 10). From SOP, glide down vertically with your second finger towards the base of the skull, gently pushing into the soft tissue. The first palpable spinous process in this area is CV2 .
