The spinous process extends from the posterior of the vertebral arch to provide connection points for the muscles that extend the neck, including the trapezius and spinalis muscles. On both lateral sides of C7, the transverse processes provide insertion points for the erector spinae muscles that extend and flex the neck. Several bony processes extend from the vertebral arch and provide important muscle attachment sites for the muscles of the neck.

Each transverse foramen provides a conduit for nerves and the vertebral arteries and veins that supply blood to tissues of the head and neck. Extending from both lateral sides of the vertebral arch are the transverse processes and their tiny, hollow transverse foramina. Delicate tissues, including the spinal cord and nerves, pass through the vertebral foramen and are protected by the vertebral arch. The vertebral arch surrounds the hollow vertebral foramen and provides muscle attachment sites to the C7 vertebra. Posterior to the body is a thin ring of bone known as the vertebral arch. The facets and disks surrounding the body provide both stability and flexibility to the neck. Fibrocartilaginous disks above and below the C7’s body provide cushioning. Facets lateral to the C7’s body allow the C7 to form joints with the C6 vertebra above it and the T1 below it. The body of C7 supports the collective weight of the head and neck.

Like the C3 through C6 vertebrae, C7 has a thicker area of bone called the body, located anterior to the vertebral foramen. As the transitional vertebra between the cervical and thoracic regions, the C7 has some features of both the cervical and thoracic vertebrae.

Spinous processes