Spinous Process

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-thin pointy projection on the vertabrae

-part of the spine which you can palpate on the midline of your back

-serves as attachment point for muscles and ligaments

-so exaggerated on some animals that a fin-back is formed (ie Dolphin)

Transverse Process

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-project one on either side of vertabra where the lamina meets the pedicle

-serves for attachment of pedicle of rib 

Pedicle

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-2 short thick processes that project from the superior part of the vertebral body

-connect the body of the spinal vertebrae to the arch

-the latin word means "small foot" due to it's small shape

Lamina

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-two broad plates extending medially from the pedicles

-fuse to complete roof of vertebral arch

-the word in latin refer to a thin plate, sheet, or layer

Facet for head of rib

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-articular surface located just superior to the body of the vertebrae on either side

-articulates with the head of rib

-lie between adjacent vertebrae in spine

-forms cartilaginous joint to permit movement of vertrbral column

-absorb vertical shock

-consists of a body, vertebral arch, and several processes

Facet of superior articular process

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-spring from junctions of pedicles and lamina

-project upward from lower vertebrae

-articulates with the inferior articular process or facet of the vertebra above

-largest part of the vertebrae

-upper and lower surfaces are flattened and rough

-give attachment to intervertebral discs

-articulates with the superior articular process

-this is how the vertebrae connect!

-project downward from a higher vertebra