Figure 1.3
This image is a side-on view of
the lumbar spine.
A: This is a spinous process of
the lumbar spine. Spinous
processes are present on the
back of all vertebrae and are
palpable through the skin.
A
B
C
B: This is the joint between two
vertebrae; each vertebra in the
spine is joined to the vertebra
below and above by these joints
on the side. The intervertebral
disc separates the vertebrae in
the front.
C: This is an intervertebral disc.
These discs act as shock
absorbers and allow for a cer-
tain amount of movement
between the vertebrae.
D
D: This is a foramen. It is where
the nerves that come from the
spinal cord exit the spine on
their way to the legs. The nerves
that run through these foramina
control movement in the legs
and allow sensation to pass from
the legs to the spinal cord and
from there to the brain.
16