Neural spine

A neural spine is a bony projection that extends upward from a vertebra. It provides attachment for muscles and ligaments and can protect the spinal canal.

Vertebra: A vertebra is one of the bones that form the vertebral column and enclose the spinal canal. The neural spine projects from the vertebral arch of this bone.
Interspinales muscles: Interspinales are small paired muscles connecting adjacent vertebral spinous processes. They act directly between neighboring neural spines.
C7 vertebra: C7 is the seventh cervical vertebra, distinguished by a long, usually palpable spinous process. Its prominent neural spine is a common surface landmark at the base of the neck.
Transverse process: A transverse process is a lateral projection from each side of a vertebra. Unlike the neural spine, it extends sideways rather than upward from the midline.
Vertebral arch: The vertebral arch is the part of a vertebra formed by pedicles and laminae around the spinal canal. Its midline junction forms the base of the neural spine.
Supraspinous ligament: The supraspinous ligament runs along the tips of the spinous processes of vertebrae. It attaches to the neural spines and limits excessive spinal flexion.
Lumbar puncture: Lumbar puncture is a procedure that inserts a needle into the lower spinal canal to sample cerebrospinal fluid or deliver medication. The needle is guided between lumbar neural spines to avoid the spinal cord.
Articular process: An articular process is a vertebral projection bearing a facet that forms a joint with another vertebra. Its joint-forming surface distinguishes it from the neural spine’s attachment role.
Vertebral body: The vertebral body is the thick, weight-bearing anterior portion of a vertebra. It contrasts with the posterior arch from which the neural spine projects.
Interspinous ligament: The interspinous ligament connects adjacent vertebral spinous processes. It spans the spaces between successive neural spines.

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