Close Up of a Single Lumbar Vertebra - Top and Side View
The diagram to the right shows a typical vertebra. In this case, it is a lumbar vertebra. The main parts of a vertebra include the body, spinous process, transverse process, articular process, pedicles and laminae.
The body is the largest part of a vertebra, and is more or less cylindrical in shape with flat upper and lower surfaces. It is located at the front of the vertebra.
The pedicles are two short, thick processes that connect the body with the back part of the vertebra. The laminae are two broad plates that connect between the spinous and transverse processes. The two transverse processes project from each side of the vertebra from where the lamina meets the pedicle, and provides attachment of muscles and ligaments. The spinous process projects directly backward and downward from the laminae, and provides attachment of muscles and ligaments. There are two superior and two inferior articular processes that project upward and downward, respectively.
The vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers providing separation and cushioning between the discs. Each disc is a cartilaginous joint allowing slight movement of the vertebrae, and acts as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together. |
