A number of characteristic projections can be seen on a vertebra.

These projections serve as

• Attachments for muscles and ligaments;
• Levers for the actions of muscles;
• Sites of articulation with adjacent vertebrae.

The roof of the vertebral arch is formed by laminae (singular: lamina), which merge in the midline.

The two projections of a typical vertebrae are:

• Spinous process - projects posteriorly and usually inferiorly from the middle of the vertebral arch;
• Two transverse processes - one on each side, project laterally from the vertebral arch.