Synonyms
lat. Arcus vertebrae rarely also called neural bow
Introduction
The vertebral arch is part of every vertebra, and thus also part of the spine. The vertebral arch connects to the back of the vertebral body and forms a vertebra together with it. The vertebral arches of several vertebrae then together form the spinal canal through which the spinal cord runs.
Anatomy and Function
As components of this flexible bony tube, the vertebral arches are thus responsible for protecting an important part of our nervous system. For this purpose, they have strong “feet” (Pediculus arcus vertebrae) which originate from the vertebral body. These unite in the arch plate, which ultimately represents the highest point of the arch.
In order for our brain to send information to and receive information from the various regions of our body via the spinal cord, the vertebral arches also have notches on both sides, both on their upper and lower sides. Together with the notch of the vertebral arch above or below, these form the intervertebral hole (Foramen intervertebrale), through which a spinal nerve can emerge. Depending on the height at which the spinal column is viewed, the vertebrae sometimes differ greatly in shape and size.
This is mainly due to the different levels of stress on the spinal column. For example, the vertebral bodies and vertebral arches of a cervical vertebra are more filigree than those of a lumbar vertebra. Nevertheless, the construction principles of all vertebrae are similar.
This also applies to the three major processes that originate from each vertebral arch. The spinal process (Processus spinosus) is always found backwards. At the sides, a transverse process (Processus transversus) emerges, which serves as the attachment for the ribs at the level of the thoracic spine.
Apart from this, these bony outgrowths of the vertebral arches primarily serve as attachment points and lever arms for the back muscles and thus play an enormously important role with regard to the stability and mobility of the entire spinal column. In addition to these three distinct bony processes, the vertebral arches also feature the four articular processes, which are most pronounced in the lumbar vertebrae. Two of them are located on the upper and lower side of each vertebral arch. Together, they form the small vertebral joints.
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