Cervical Spine Injuries, Fractures and Whiplash - C6, C7 Sagittal Closeup

Sagittal closeup section at C6–C7 showing a screw that transgresses and partially fractures the inferior articular process of C6. Both ganglia are accommodated in deep furrows at the anterior surface of the articular masses. This recessing of the ganglia allows the vertebral artery to take a straight course towards the transverse foramen of C6. The plate snugly fits on the inferior articular process of C6 whereas but at C7 there is a considerable gap between the plate and the articular mass. The tip of the screw is in direct contact with the C7 ganglion. Note that the motor root is located at the lower pole of the dorsal root ganglion. At C7 the vertebral artery swings anteriorly and laterally because it normally is runs outside the transverse foramina of C7.