Superior Articular Process
The structure indicated is the
superior articular process. There are
33 vertebrae which make up the spinal column:
- 7 cervical
- 12 thoracic
- 5 lumbar
- 5 fused sacral vertebrae
- 3-4 fused coccygeal vertebrae
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
superior articular process articulates with the
inferior articular process of the vertebrae above. These articulations are known as
zyapophysial joints. The articular processes arise from the junction between the
laminae and
pedicles of the
vertebral arch. Learn more about the anatomy of the
vertebrae in this tutorial.
