vertebral arch

Introduction

The posterior projection from the vertebral body that encloses the vertebral foramen.

It consists of paired:

• vertebral pedicles
• vertebral lamina

Vertebral processes arising from the vertebral arch include:

• spinous process
• transverse process
• articular process

Together with the ligamenta flava that join them, form the posterior wall of the vertebral (spinal) canal.

Function

To protect the spinal cord.

More general terms

• bony process
• vertebra

Component of

• vertebra

Components

• vertebral lamina (lamina of vertebral arch)