Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Vertebra, prominent
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Vertebra, prominent: The 7th cervical (neck) vertebra (C7) is sometimes called the prominent vertebra because of the length of its spinous process (the projection off the back of the vertebral body).
The spinous process of the top thoracic vertebra (T1) just below C7 is sometimes even more prominent than that of the "prominent vertebra".