Spinous process

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Spinous process is a bony projection off the posterior (back) of each vertebra. They are seen where the laminae of the vertebral arch join and provide the point of attachment for muscles and ligaments of the spine. The spinous processes are the ridges that can be felt through the skin along the back of the spine.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The spinous process comes out the back of the spine and has a more or less triangular or hatchet-like shape. Its function is to attach muscles and ligaments. The spinous processes of the vertebrae of the thoracic region are particularly robust for the attachment of the muscles that move the vertebral column.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

In certain pathological conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, the spinous processes may become fused, resulting in a characteristic 'bamboo spine' appearance on radiographs.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Spinous process Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD