Pedicle
The structure indicated is the
pedicle of the vertebra.
The typical vertebra consists of the following features:
- Vertebral body
- Vertebral arch (neural arch) consisting of lamina and pedicle
- Spinous process
- Transverse process
- Vertebral foramen (collectively form vertebral canal)
- Superior and inferior articular processes
- Superior and inferior vertebral notches
The
vertebral arch is formed from
two pedicles and
two laminae. The pedicles attach on either side to the posterolateral aspects of the
vertebral body and unite posteriorly with the laminae which complete the vertebral arch.
Learn more about the anatomy of the
vertebrae in this tutorial.