In the vertebral column, each vertebra consists of an anterior body or centrum, a posterior vertebral arch, and processes. The disc-shaped centrum distributes the body weight along the spine's vertical axis. The centrum and vertebral arch surround an opening called the vertebral foramen. When consecutively arranged, the foramina form the vertebral canal through which the spinal cord passes. Two short pillar-like projections or pedicles on the sides and two flattened plates or laminae form the vertebral arch. Pedicles also have notches on their superior and inferior edges. These notches form the intervertebral foramina, lateral openings between neighboring vertebrae, through which the spinal nerves exit. Each vertebra has seven processes—a pair of transverse, superior articular, inferior articular processes, and a spinous process. The transverse processes attach to muscles that help the upper body bend sideways. The inferior and superior articular processes connect the adjacent vertebrae to form movable facet joints, which allow flexion…, extension…, and… rotation of the spine. Spinous processes attach to the ligaments for spine stabilization.