Inferior Vertebral Notch of Fourth Cervical Vertebra (Left)

Description

The inferior vertebral notches are the indentations found on the lower aspects of the pedicles of a typical cervical vertebra. Unlike the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, the inferior vertebral notches of cervical vertebrae are just as deep as their superior vertebral notches. This is due to the pedicles extending from the cervical vertebral bodies at points that are at mid-height level. Overall, the superior and inferior vertebral notches of adjacent vertebrae contribute to the formation of the margins of the intervertebral foramina, which are found along the vertebral column. The vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs also contribute to these margins. Spinal nerves, and their accompanying vessels, exit the vertebral canal by passing through these intervertebral foramina.