Pedicle of Fourth Lumbar Vertebra (Right)

Description

The pedicles are the two short, cylindrical processes that project posteriorly from the upper corners of the posterior aspect of the vertebral body of a lumbar vertebra. They form the anterior parts of the vertebral arch, the lateral walls of the vertebral foramen, and connect the vertebral body to the laminae.

The transverse and superior articular processes extend from the junctions between the pedicles and laminae. Each pedicle consists of superior and inferior vertebral notches.

Overall, the pedicles of adjacent vertebrae form spaces known as intervertebral foramina, and it is through these foramina that spinal nerves and vessels exit the vertebral column.