During an anterior approach to the cervical spine, the surgeon encounters the vertebral artery entering its first transverse foramen. At which vertebral level does this occur?

• A C4
• B C5
• C C7
• D C6 ✓

Explanation

The vertebral artery arises from the first part of the subclavian artery and ascends to enter the foramen transversarium of the sixth cervical vertebra, then climbs through D6 to D1 before looping over the atlas. The anterior tubercle of D6, the carotid tubercle of Chassaignac, against which the common carotid can be compressed, marks this entry point. D7 is excluded because its foramen transversarium typically transmits only the vertebral vein, not the artery.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.