C6 has a prominent anterior tubercle of its transverse process (the carotid tubercle) against which the carotid artery can be compressed. The C6 nerve root innervates the wrist extensors and contributes to the biceps reflex.
C5-C6 is the most common cervical disc herniation level, producing C6 radiculopathy with biceps weakness, diminished biceps reflex, lateral forearm and thumb numbness. Carotid tubercle (Chassaignac's tubercle) on the C6 transverse process is the landmark for carotid artery compression to arrest haemorrhage and for stellate ganglion blocks. The vertebral arteries enter their foramina transversaria at C6.
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