On a typical cervical vertebra, where is the posterior tubercle located?

On a typical cervical vertebra, where is the posterior tubercle located?

• A. Lamina
• B. Transverse process
• C. Spinous process
• D. Vertebral body

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that cervical transverse processes have two tubercles: an anterior tubercle and a posterior tubercle. The posterior tubercle sits on the back side of the transverse process and helps define the posterior border of the foramen transversarium, through which the vertebral artery ascends. The lamina, spinous process, and vertebral body are parts of the vertebral arch or body that do not carry a posterior tubercle. So the posterior tubercle is located on the transverse process.

The key idea is that cervical transverse processes have two tubercles: an anterior tubercle and a posterior tubercle. The posterior tubercle sits on the back side of the transverse process and helps define the posterior border of the foramen transversarium, through which the vertebral artery ascends. The lamina, spinous process, and vertebral body are parts of the vertebral arch or body that do not carry a posterior tubercle. So the posterior tubercle is located on the transverse process.