Description
The vertebral arch is the posteriorly located arch-like part of a thoracic vertebra. It consists of two anteriorly located pedicles, and two posteriorly located laminae. The anterior ends of the pedicles are attached to the posterolateral aspects of the vertebral body, while their posterior ends fuse with the anterior ends of the laminae. The posterior ends of the two laminae fuse with each other at the midline.
Numerous processes project from the vertebral arch.
—The pairs of transverse and superior articular processes extend from the junctions between the pedicles and laminae.
—The pair of inferior articular processes extend inferiorly from the laminae.
—The unpaired spinous process extends from the junction between the two laminae.
The vertebral arches surround and protect the spinal cord and its accompanying meninges and vessels.
