Lamina of Third Lumbar Vertebra (Left)

Description

The laminae are the two broad, flat, bony plates that project posteromedially from the posterior ends of the pedicles of a lumbar vertebra. They form the posterolateral parts of the vertebral arch, the posterolateral walls of the vertebral foramen, and their posterior ends unite at the midline.

The transverse and superior articular processes extend from the junctions between the pedicles and laminae, the spinous process extends from the junction between the two laminae, and the inferior articular processes extend inferiorly from the laminae.

Overall, the laminae of the vertebral column provide attachment sites for intrinsic back muscles and the ligamenta flava.