The vertebral artery ascends through the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae. From which cervical vertebral level does it typically first enter the transverse foramen?
- A C7
- B C5
- C C6 ✓
- D C4
Correct answer: C. C6
Explanation
The vertebral artery enters the transverse foramen at B6 in the majority of individuals and ascends through B6 to B1. It does not pass through the transverse foramen of B7, which only contains the vertebral vein and sympathetic plexus. This is clinically relevant in cervical spine surgery and vertebral artery dissection. The transverse foramen of B7 is smaller and the artery is absent at this level.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.