Processes. Each vertebra in the spine has a number of bony projections, known as processes. The spinal and transverse processes attach to the muscles in the back and act like little levers, allowing the spine to twist or bend. The particular processes form the joints between the vertebrae themselves, meeting together and interlocking at the zygapophysial joints (more commonly known as facet or z joints).
Spinal Canal. Each vertebra and its processes surround and protect an arch-shaped central opening. These arches, aligned to run down the spine, form the spinal canal, which encloses the spinal cord, the central trunk of nerves that connects the brain with the rest of the body.
Click the icon to see an image of the spine.
Click the icon to see an image of the sacrum.
Click the icon to see an image of the curves of the spine.
Click the icon to see an image of an intervertebral disk.
Click the icon to see an image of the spinal canal.
.gif)
