The vertrebal arch protects the spinal cord.
In anatomy, the vertebral (or neural) arch is a circle of bone that runs along the posterior side of the vertrebral column. The vertebral arch is not composed of columns though it is a part of the vertebral column and is essential for our survival. Additionally, the arch oversees several processes for articular and muscular attachments.
Vertrebral Arch and Vertrebal Column
The vertrebral arch rises dorsally alongside the vertebral column that encloses and protects the spinal cord. The overall structure is made up of 33 vertebrae connected by joints and discs that allows for flexibility of the back while ligaments and muscles stabilize the column so our torso doesn't flop over like jelly. This column is composed of four anteroposterior curvatures: thoracic, sacral, cervical, and lumbar.
Parts of the Vertrebal Arch
The vertebral arch encloses the foramen (which houses the spinal cord and the meninges), a pair of pedicles (which connect the vertrebral arch and column), and a pair of laminae (which fuse to complete a roof for the arch).
Processes of the Vertebral Arch
The vertrebral arch supports seven processes. It supports four articular processes (two superior and two inferior) that help stabilize the backbone. The arch also oversees two transverse processes (that coordinate movements between vertebral muscles and ligaments), and one spinous process, a slender projection from the back of the arch to which muscles and ligaments are attached. This projection may be felt as a series of bumps down the back.
Vertebral Arch Defects And Injuries
The vertrebal arch is subject to several congenital defects and injuries. For instance, a bilaterally separate neural arch can interfere with the articular processes. Rupture of the synchondrosis results in vertebral bone segments that will not reunite during the healing process. Problems also may result from abnormal conformations of the laminae that result in pseudo-articulations with the pedicles. In a study by the Spinal Research Unit of the Harlow Wood Orthapoedic Hospital, 40 patients with spondylytic defects of the lumbar spine were assessed through magnetic resonance imaging and compared to a control group. The study found that the group with spondylytic defects were more like likely to suffer neural arch defects as the result of disc degeneration.
Tags: neural arch, spinal cord, articular processes, muscles ligaments, protects spinal, protects spinal cord