C6 or Sixth Cervical Vertebra, Inferior View

Description

Seen from an inferior perspective, the sixth cervical vertebra (C6) presents the vertebral foramen centrally, bordered anteriorly by the posterior surface of the vertebral body and posteriorly by the laminae converging toward the spinous process. Laterally, the transverse processes project to either side, framing the transverse foramina that transmit the vertebral vessels, while the uncinate processes rise along the superolateral margins of the vertebral body. The inferior articular facets occupy the junction of pedicle and lamina and face inferoposteriorly to meet C7, and the bifid spinous process sits midline and posterior. C6 is a frequent landmark in both surface anatomy and spine surgery because its anterior tubercle of the transverse process (Chassaignac tubercle) can be used to compress the common carotid artery during hemorrhage control and helps orient anterior cervical approaches. Degenerative change at C5 to C6 and C6 to C7 is common, and understanding the facet orientation and uncovertebral margins clarifies why foraminal stenosis at this level can produce C6 radiculopathy, often affecting the biceps and wrist extensors. Small asymmetries matter here. They can shift the mechanics of the motion segment. Use this inferior view in gross anatomy labs to teach vertebral identification, in radiology education to correlate with axial CT and MR slices through the lower cervical spine, and in operative atlases discussing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion where C6 serves as a practical intraoperative reference. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.