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Seventh cervical vertebra. Where is located, photo, anatomy, structure

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Content

  1. Location of the seventh cervical vertebra
  2. Structural features, anatomy
  3. Adjacent structures
  4. Functional value
  5. Possible pathologies
  6. Developmental anomalies
  7. Degenerative-dystrophic pathology
  8. Autoimmune processes
  9. Past injuries
  10. Methods for diagnosing the 7th vertebra
  11. What to do if the vertebra is bulging?
  12. Modern methods of treatment of pathologies of the 7th vertebra
  13. Medication
  14. Chondroprotectors
  15. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  16. Non-drug methods
  17. Surgical intervention
  18. Video about the seventh cervical vertebra

Cervical human spine includes seven vertebrae that are located between the skull and the upper chest. A distinctive feature of this part of the musculoskeletal system is the presence of a minimum amount of skeletal muscles surrounding the spinal column.

All vertebrae of the cervical spine have small and low bodies, which are least subject to physical exertion. The 7th vertebra of the neck is most susceptible to injury and degenerative changes as a result of abnormalities in physiological development.

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Location of the seventh cervical vertebra

The seventh vertebra is the last link in the cervical spine. This part of the musculoskeletal system is located on the border with the upper part of the sternum. The greatest load is created on the bone tissue of the 7th vertebra during physical exercises, sharp turns and tilts of the head, hard work associated with lifting weights.Seventh cervical vertebra. Where is, photo, anatomy

The location of the seventh vertebra is easy to find by palpation of the lower neck segment. This structural element of the spinal column rises above the rest of the vertebrae, creating the effect of a slight hump.

Structural features, anatomy

Unlike other vertebrae of the cervical spine, the 7th vertebra has a number of distinctive features. This section of the spinal column has a longer spinous process. Due to this, it is very easy to grope it even in the process of self-examination of the back of the neck. In this regard, the 7th vertebra is also called protruding. During the anatomical writing of the structure of this part of the spine, the seventh vertebra was named in Latin "vertebra prominens".

Adjacent structures

The seventh vertebra, like the rest of the structural elements of the spinal column, has transverse processes, inside which there are physiological openings. The largest blood vessels of the arterial and venous type pass through these cavities of the bone tissue.

Seventh cervical vertebra. Where is, photo, anatomy
Seventh cervical vertebra
Seventh cervical vertebra. Where is, photo, anatomy

They are directly involved in providing the brain tissue with the required amount of oxygen and nutrients necessary for the stable operation of all parts of the central nervous system. The health of the great vessels is closely related to the functional state of the 7th vertebra and other links of the cervical spine.

Functional value

The seventh cervical vertebra is in close proximity to the upper segment of the chest.

This structural element of the spinal column has the following functional significance for the human body:

  • takes part in the physiological development of the cervical spine;
  • acts as a supporting support for all the other 6 vertebrae located towards the skull;
  • absorbs most of the pressure caused by physical exertion or injury during a fall, carrying heavy loads with the throwing of bulky objects on the line of the shoulder girdle and the back of the neck;
  • provides a variety of movements of the skeletal muscles associated with the spine;
  • participates in the performance of head turns, bends in all directions;
  • protects arterial and venous vessels of the neck from traumatic injuries at the time of impact, fall or any other negative impact on this part of the body.Seventh cervical vertebra. Where is, photo, anatomy

The seventh vertebra is of great functional importance for athletes who perform strength training. This element of the musculoskeletal system must be absolutely healthy in people engaged in freestyle or Greco-Roman wrestling, judo, boxing, weightlifting, mixed martial arts, diving with springboard.

Possible pathologies

The seventh cervical vertebra is located almost on the line of the shoulder girdle. This part of the musculoskeletal system is the most vulnerable to injury, degenerative diseases and abnormalities of physiological development. Early diagnosis of the pathological state of the 7th cervical vertebra allows to prevent further the appearance of more severe complications that can lead to the loss of the ability to move independently sick.

Developmental anomalies

The most common abnormality in the development of the seventh vertebra of the cervical spine is the formation of large ribs in it. In this regard, this element of the musculoskeletal system acquires an external resemblance to the vertebrae of the chest.

The risk of cleavage of the arches of the 7th vertebra with simultaneous non-union of the anterior segment of the neuropore significantly increases. The result of this anomaly of physiological development is the emergence of a pathology called myelomeningocele. This disease is a form of spinal hernia, which is an extensive defect of the entire spinal canal of the 7th vertebra.

In the structure of the seventh vertebra, multiple cystic enlargements are formed, which cause damage to the spinal cord. This pathology manifests itself even at the stage of intrauterine development of the child. Anomaly of the 7th vertebra of the cervical spine in the form of myelomeningocele occurs in 1-2 children per 1000 newborn babies.

According to medical statistics, in 60-85% of cases, this defect of the seventh vertebra is accompanied by the simultaneous presence of hydrocephalus, symptoms of Chiari malformation type 2. The occurrence of concomitant damage to the central nervous system and peripheral nerves, which arise as a complication due to the injured membranes of the spinal cord, is not excluded.

Degenerative-dystrophic pathology

The seventh cervical vertebra is located just above the beginning of the rib cage.

This part of the spinal column is prone to the occurrence of degenerative-dystrophic pathologies of the following types:

  • chronic osteochondrosis, which is the most common disease of this part of the musculoskeletal system (this disease is characterized by periodic exacerbations);
    Seventh cervical vertebra. Where is, photo, anatomy
    Doppler ultrasonography (Doppler) of the vessels of the head and neck is done for osteochondrosis of the neck.
  • lordosis, when the structural form of the vertebra is slightly curved forward;
  • microspondylium, characterized by flattening or congenital underdevelopment of the 7th vertebra;
  • partial or complete fusion of the 7th and 6th vertebrae, which leads to restrictions in the mobility of the neck;
  • degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structure of the vertebra in the butterfly-shaped type;
  • underdevelopment of the lateral processes;
  • the formation of the seventh vertebra of a much smaller size, as well as its degeneration against the background of the negative impact of external and internal factors.

The main danger of pathologies of the degenerative-dystrophic type is that in the absence of early diagnosis of the 7th the vertebra of the cervical spine acquires irreversible changes, which affect the performance of the entire organism.

There is a violation of cerebral circulation, the functional mobility of the neck is limited, the membranes of the spinal cord are damaged. The last degenerative complication is fraught with complete or partial paralysis of the patient's skeletal muscles.

Autoimmune processes

Autoimmune damage to the 7th vertebra is a pathological condition of this part of the cervical spine, which occurs against the background of abnormal activity of leukocytes.

Own cells of the immune system of a sick person identify the tissues of this area of ​​the musculoskeletal system as foreign objects. In the human body, an active process of production of autoimmune antibodies and aggressive killer cells is launched, which attack the tissue structure of the seventh vertebra.

The result of this pathological process is damage and gradual destruction of a separate section of the cervical spine against the background of chronic inflammation. In this case, the exacerbation of the autoimmune activity of killer cells is systemic. To stop further destruction of the 7th cervical vertebra, diagnostic studies of the functional state of blood cells responsible for the body's immune responses are carried out.

After determining the reasons for the manifestation of their abnormal activity, measures are taken to eliminate pathological factors. Most often, patients suffering from autoimmune inflammation of the seventh vertebra are forced to take drugs from the category of immunosuppressants.

Past injuries

The seventh cervical vertebra is located in a very vulnerable part of the musculoskeletal system.Seventh cervical vertebra. Where is, photo, anatomy

This area of ​​the spinal column can be damaged as a result of the following injuries:

  • falling from a great height to the side or upside down;
  • collision of the surface of the occipital region of the skull with underwater objects at the time of jumping into the water (in this in the case of the seventh vertebra does not withstand the sharp pressure and force of compression compression, which leads to its mixing or fracture);
  • a blow to the back of the neck, inflicted accidentally or by prior intent;
  • compression of the cervical spine (for example, during wrestling at sports competitions, power confrontation during a fight);
  • dislocation as a result of a sharp turn of the neck without prior warm-up.

The consequences of the injury depend on how badly the tissue structure of the 7th vertebra of the cervical spine was damaged. It is very important that the lining of the spinal cord is not disturbed, the walls of the great vessels that feed the brain are not pinched.

Methods for diagnosing the 7th vertebra

Diagnosis of pathological conditions of the seventh vertebra of the cervical spine is carried out using hardware examination methods. The table below describes the main methods for determining diseases and traumatic injuries of this part of the musculoskeletal system.

Survey methods Characteristics of the diagnostic process
Neurological This method of determining the pathological state of the seventh vertebra is the simplest, and its target the purpose is to determine the level of sensitivity of tissues located in the circumference of the seventh vertebra. Using a sharp needle, the doctor runs the pointed edge along the back of the neck. The patient tells the doctor about his feelings.
Densitometry This diagnostic method is a kind of X-ray examination of the bone tissue of the 7th vertebra, which displays the level of its density.
Doppler ultrasound With the help of Doppler ultrasound, the attending physician receives comprehensive information about the condition of the venous and arterial vessels in the area of ​​the 7th vertebra.
X-ray tomography A modern diagnostic method, which is based on the analysis of an X-ray image of a specific vertebra with a simultaneous study of the volumetric structures of the spinal cord.Seventh cervical vertebra. Where is, photo, anatomy
Myelotomography The use of this method of examination involves the introduction of contrast agents into the cavity of the subarachnoid space. These components are used to visualize the structure of the spinal cord in the area of ​​the seventh vertebra.
Echospondylography This diagnostic method is based on the use of ultrasound. Echospondylography makes it possible to determine anomalies of prenatal development of the cervical spine and directly the 7th vertebra itself.
Discography Discography is performed to determine degenerative changes in the structure of the intervertebral disc of the 7th vertebra. This diagnostic method is performed using a contrast agent.

In the presence of uncomplicated diseases associated with damage to the structure of the seventh vertebra, a standard X-ray, MRI or CT diagnosis is prescribed. With the help of these examination techniques, it is also possible to exercise effective control over the dynamics of the development of the disease, to correct the therapeutic process.

What to do if the vertebra is bulging?

Excessive protrusion of the 7th vertebra is popularly called the "widow's hump". In fact, this is an accumulation of adipose tissue, which is localized in the projection of this part of the cervical spine. The protrusion of the seventh vertebra creates not only an aesthetic defect.

Pathological overgrowth of adipose tissue leads to compression of the carotid artery, which provides nutrition to the brain tissue. The result of this problem is dizziness, headache attacks, periodic loss of consciousness, unstable intracranial pressure.

The way to get rid of excessive bulging of the 7th vertebra depends on the reasons that provoked its overgrowth with fat.Seventh cervical vertebra. Where is, photo, anatomy

In most cases, the following methods of health therapy are used:

  • compliance with the norms of the "anti-fat" diet, when a person completely refuses to eat fats of animal and vegetable origin;
  • daily massage of the cervical spine with a direct effect on the surface of fat deposits;
  • physiotherapy with ultrasound and weak impulses of electric current;
  • performing morning exercises, which includes an active warm-up of the cervical spine;
  • taking estrogen-based drugs if the formation of a "widow's hump" is caused by a decrease in the natural level of estrogen after menopause.

A radical way to get rid of the bulging effect of the 7th vertebra is to perform a surgical operation to remove the excess amount of adipose tissue. In this case, the liposuction method is used.

Modern methods of treatment of pathologies of the 7th vertebra

For the treatment of diseases of the seventh vertebra, drugs, physiotherapy and surgery are used. For each patient, an individual therapy regimen is drawn up, which is developed based on the results of a diagnostic examination.

Medication

The use of drug therapy is aimed at reducing the inflammatory process in the bone and connective tissue of the 7th vertebra, restoration of normal mobility of the cervical spine spine.

Chondroprotectors

Chondroprotectors are a separate category of drugs that are available in the form of capsules, tablets, ointments, injection solutions or loose powder. Most medicines in this category contain the active substance chondroitin sulfate.

This component prevents further progression of degenerative and atrophic processes, acts as a means to prevent the destruction of intervertebral disc tissue. Chondroprotectors are actively used to treat joints, but also support the health of the spine.

Patients with pathologies of the 7th vertebra can be prescribed the following drugs in this category:

  • Artrakam;Seventh cervical vertebra. Where is, photo, anatomy
  • Don;
  • Artradol;
  • Rumalon;
  • Arthra;
  • Structum;
  • Hondroguard.

Maximum therapeutic efficacy from treatment with drugs from the group of chondroprotectors is achieved if their intake is prescribed with simultaneous treatment with anti-inflammatory medicines.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are drugs that suppress acute and chronic inflammation in the tissues of the 7th vertebra, and also eliminate pain. The production of medicines in this category is carried out in the form of ointments, capsules, tablets, injection solutions and rectal suppositories.

The mechanism of action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is to inhibit the process synthesis of hormones prostaglandins, an increase in which leads to the development of inflammation and pain sensations.

Patients with pathologies of the seventh vertebra can be prescribed the following medications of this group:

Seventh cervical vertebra. Where is, photo, anatomy
  • Ketoprofen;
  • Piroxicam;
  • Diclofenac;
  • Nimesulide;
  • Ibuprofen;
  • Napraxen.

For successful treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it is necessary to eliminate the main cause that causes the pathological condition of the 7th vertebra of the cervical spine.

Otherwise, taking drugs of this group will only lead to the effect of temporary relief.

Non-drug methods

Non-drug methods of treating diseases of the 7th vertebra of the cervical spine include carrying out physiotherapeutic procedures of the following types:

  • making applications based on therapeutic mud;
  • reflexology using weak impulses of electric current;
  • the impact of needles on biologically active points;
  • removal of salt deposits in the area of ​​the 7th vertebra using therapeutic massage;
  • taking mineral baths;
  • warming up the collar zone using electrophoresis.

A non-drug method of treating pathological conditions of the 7th vertebra is determined by a physiotherapist, surgeon or rehabilitologist, depending on the type of the diagnosed disease. Dislocation or displacement of this part of the cervical spine can be eliminated with the help of manual therapy techniques. In this case, the chiropractor adjusts the seventh vertebra, restoring its anatomically correct position.

Surgical intervention

Surgical intervention is a radical method of treating pathologies of the 7th vertebra of the cervical spine. A similar method of therapy is used for patients with a herniated disc, which is localized in this part of the musculoskeletal system.

The algorithm for carrying out this operation is as follows:

  1. The patient receives general anesthesia.
  2. The surgeon makes a small tissue incision over the 7th vertebra.
  3. A hernia is detected using an operating microscope.
  4. Removal of the hernial formation is performed.
  5. The wound surface is sutured.

Depending on the severity of the pathology, after the removal of the hernia, the patient may need to replace the injured 7th vertebra.

The seventh vertebra is located at the bottom of the cervical spine. This is a structural element of the spinal column, which has the largest size, serves as a support for all the other 6 vertebrae of the neck. This area of ​​the human musculoskeletal system is considered the most vulnerable to traumatic injuries, prone to the development of degenerative and inflammatory processes.

The healthy state of the 7th vertebra allows a person to make quick head turns in different directions, perform inclinations, and change the position of the body. Inflammation of the bone and connective tissue in the area of ​​the 7th vertebra leads to the development of pain, stiffness of movements, attacks of dizziness and migraine.

Video about the seventh cervical vertebra

Seventh cervical vertebra:

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