GLOSSARY

The vertebrae are irregular bones stacked on one another to form the vertebral column; the singular is vertebra.

Structure of a Typical Vertebra

• Vertebral body: the cylindrical front part that bears weight.
• Vertebral arch: the posterior ring formed by two pedicles and two laminae.
• Vertebral foramen: the space between body and arch through which the spinal cord passes.
• Processes: one spinous process, two transverse processes, and four articular processes.

Regional Differences

Vertebral bodies become larger