C-1 (Atlas)
That is likely a lumbar vertebra, which has a block-like body to support weight bearing and a short, stout spinous process for muscle attachment and stability. The lumbar vertebrae are larger and sturdier compared to other vertebrae in the spine to help support the lower back and trunk.
The acromiotrapezius, spinotrapezius, and latissimus dorsi all attach along the dorsal midline to several key bones. The acromiotrapezius attaches to the spine of the scapula and the cervical and thoracic vertebrae. The spinotrapezius primarily connects to the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae. The latissimus dorsi attaches to the spinous processes of the lower thoracic, lumbar vertebrae, and the iliac crest.
Typical vertebrae have common characteristics found throughout the spine, such as a body, vertebral arch, spinous process, and transverse processes. Atypical vertebrae vary in structure, size, or shape compared to typical vertebrae, often having unique features to accommodate specific functions in certain regions of the spine, such as the atlas and axis vertebrae in the cervical spine.
This is due to the protrusion of the vertebral spinous processes.
Originexternal occipital protuberance, nuchal ligament, medial superior nuchal line, spinous processes of vertebrae C7-T12Insertionposterior border of the lateral third of the clavicle, acromion process, and spine of scapula
Cervical vertebrae have a bifurcated spinous process.
You are feeling the spinous process of your vertebrae.
Spinous process
the vertebral arch
In the cervical spine, the C2-C6 vertebrae generally have bifid spinous proceses.
the transverse process and the articular process also spinous process
spinous process
spinous process and transverse process
The first cervical vertebra (C1), also known as the atlas, does not have a body or a spinous process. It has a ring-like structure that articulates with the skull and the axis (C2 vertebra).
spinous process, facets, and demifacets
Because the most distinctive characteristic of this vertebra is the existence of a long and prominent spinous process.
The vertebral body is the most anterior part of a typical vertebrae. It is the weight-bearing portion of the vertebrae and serves as the main point of articulation with adjacent vertebrae in the spinal column.