Encircled by the body anteriorly, vertebral arch posteriorly and the pedicles laterally is the vertebral foramen , which lodges the spinal cord with its membranes and blood vessels. The vertebral foramina of the successive vertebrae form the vertebral canal . Five BODY Smaller with unchal processes at the upper surface. Medium, heart shaped with costal facets on sides of their body for ribs. Large, kidney shaped.
Superior facets face laterally, thus allowing axial rotation.
Transverse processes possess articular facets for the tubercle of rib except on those of Tv11 and 12. Long slender transverse processes. Long and slender SPs. Thick and quadrilateral SPs providing extra surface area for the muscle attachments. Single or demifacets on the body of vertebra for articulation of heads of ribs.