Identify by palpation on the model and surface mark with a pen, the tip of C7 spinous process.

Objective 161 - Criteria to be demonstrated.

1. Place the model at rest, face down on a plinth with the forehead resting on the dorsal surfaces of the hands.

2. Place a pillow under the ankles to reduce muscle tone and ensure model is comfortable.

3. Stand at the end of the plinth facing the model and complete the following steps:-

a) Identify by palpation the External Occipital Protruberance.

b) Move the finger tips down the median nuchal furrow approximately 5cms and identify the spinous process of C2.

c) Palpate the bifid spines of C3, C4 and C5 keeping one finger tip on the identified spinous process when palpating to identify the next structure.

d) Identify the Spinous process of C6 keeping fingertip contact and request the model to extend the Cervical spine.

 e) The Spinous process of C6 appears to glide forwards and at the same time the Spinous process of C7 remains relatively fixed compared with C6. 

f) The Spinous process of C7 is the most prominent process.