The spinous process is a bony projection of a vertebra that arises from the vertebral arch and is directed dorsally.
Special features
The atlas occupies a special position, as it does not possess a spinous process but rather a posterior tubercle. The sacrum likewise represents a special situation; here, the spinous processes have fused to form the so-called Crista sacralis mediana.
Anatomy
The interspinous ligament and supraspinous ligament attach to the spinous processes, as does part of the intrinsic back muscles.
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