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# C6–C7 nucleus

The nucleus pulposus is the soft, gel-like centre of the [C6-C7](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/c6-c7/) disc in the neck; it works like a water cushion that spreads the load.

Official name: C6-C7

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## What it is

The soft, gel-like centre (nucleus pulposus) of the C6–C7 disc.

## What it does

Works like a water cushion: it turns pressure from above into outward push on the fibre ring, spreading the load. It is under the most pressure when you bend forward and lift.

## Key points

- «Soft disc»: a fragment of C6–C7 nucleus, typical of younger adults with sudden arm pain into the middle finger; «hard disc»: spurs and a calcified annulus in older adults, with a slower onset
- Most acute C7 radiculopathies from a soft herniation improve without surgery over weeks to months

## Key facts

**Where**
Centre of the C6–C7 disc, slightly toward the back, inside the annulus fibrosus

**Function**
Notochord-derived gel (about 70–90% water, proteoglycans); turns axial load into annulus tension; herniates posterolaterally toward the C7 root

## Relations

**Behind**
Annulus fibrosus and [posterior longitudinal ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/posterior-longitudinal-ligament/), then the lower cervical cord

**Lateral**
Uncovertebral joints of C7 and the C7 root; the [vertebral artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vertebral-artery/) runs one level higher, and the small transverse foramen of C7 usually carries only veins

## How to find it

From the front, just below the [cricoid cartilage](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cricoid-cartilage/); from behind, between the C6 spinous process and the [vertebra prominens](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vertebra-prominens/) (C7).

## Examination

- C7 root: weak elbow extension (triceps) and wrist flexion, numb middle finger, reduced triceps reflex
- Neck distraction test: gently lifting the head relieves the arm pain, which supports a compressed root

## On imaging

MRI shows the soft fragment and the C7 root; CT separates bone spur and calcified disc from soft nucleus, which matters when planning surgery.

## Common problems

- Squeezes out through a tear in the ring (herniation), usually backward and to one side, toward a nerve root.
- Loses water with age, so the disc gets thinner and stiffer.

## How it is diagnosed

On MRI a healthy nucleus is bright on T2 images; a worn one turns dark ('black disc').

## Treatment

- In a microdiscectomy only the loose piece that has pushed out is removed; most of the disc stays.

## Clinical notes

- Surgery is considered for progressive weakness, signs of cord compression or pain that persists; the fragment is removed through an anterior discectomy
- A soft lateral fragment can also be removed from behind through a small opening at the facet (posterior foraminotomy), which keeps the level mobile and avoids a fusion

## Related conditions

- [Cervical Spondylosis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/cervical-spondylosis/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## What is the typical picture of a «soft disc» herniation of the C6–C7 nucleus?

A fragment of nucleus in a younger adult, with sudden arm pain into the middle finger (C7 root).

## How does a «hard disc» at C6–C7 differ from a soft herniation of the nucleus, and which test tells them apart?

Hard disc: bone spurs and a calcified annulus in older adults, with a slower onset. CT separates spur and calcified disc from soft nucleus.

## What is the usual course of an acute C7 radiculopathy from a soft C6–C7 nucleus herniation?

Most improve without surgery over weeks to months.

## When is surgery considered for a C6–C7 nucleus herniation, and how is the fragment removed?

For progressive weakness, signs of cord compression or persistent pain; the fragment is removed through an anterior discectomy.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
nucleus pulposus C6-C7 TA2 1686

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Núcleo pulposo C6-C7 DeCS D000070614

**English (TA2)**
C6-C7

## Related

- [C6–C7 disc](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/c6-c7/)
- [C6 vertebra](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/c6/)
- [C7 vertebra](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vertebra-prominens/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=56248&filter=ths_termall&q=N%C3%BAcleo%20Pulposo); [Anatomy, Back, Nucleus Pulposus](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535373/); [Anatomy, Back, Intervertebral Discs](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470583/).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/c6-c7-spine-and-pelvis/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/c6-c7-spine-and-pelvis/