C7
Medical abbreviation · Anatomy
| Stands for | Seventh cervical vertebra (vertebra prominens) |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
C7 stands for Seventh cervical vertebra (vertebra prominens), an anatomy abbreviation.
Lowest cervical vertebra, recognized by its long spinous process, which forms the visible bump at the base of the neck. Clinicians use it as a landmark for counting vertebrae, and a cervical X-ray series must show the C7-T1 junction to be adequate.
Example: Lateral C-spine film inadequate: C7-T1 not visualized; swimmer's view obtained.
Usage notes
The C7 nerve root exits between C6 and C7 and supplies the triceps and middle finger sensation, so a C6-C7 disc herniation causes triceps weakness. In large patients the shoulders hide the C7-T1 level on plain films, one reason CT has become the primary trauma test. A small number of people have a cervical rib arising from C7.
Related abbreviations
More anatomy abbreviations
- ATFL – Anterior talofibular ligament
- BBB – Blood-brain barrier
- C-spine – Cervical spine
- C1 – First cervical vertebra (atlas)
- C2 – Second cervical vertebra (axis)
- C5-C6 – Fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae (intervertebral level)
- CBD – Common bile duct
- CFA – Common femoral artery
- CMC – Carpometacarpal (joint)
- CN – Cranial nerve
- CNS – Central nervous system
- CVA – Costovertebral angle
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.