What is the difference between spinous and transverse process?
Emily Wilson
Updated on March 20, 2026
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Similarly one may ask, what is the function of the spinous and transverse process?
The spinous process serves to attach muscles and ligaments. The two transverse processes, one on each side of the vertebral body, project from either side at the point where the lamina joins the pedicle, between the superior and inferior articular processes.
Furthermore, what is spinous process? Spinous process is a bony projection off the posterior (back) of each vertebra. The spinous process protrudes where the laminae of the vertebral arch join and provides the point of attachment for muscles and ligaments of the spine.
Moreover, what are the transverse processes?
Transverse process is a small bony projection off the right and left side of each vertebrae. The two transverse processes of each vertebrae function as the site of attachment for muscles and ligaments of the spine as well as the point of articulation of the ribs (in the thoracic spine).
Can you feel transverse process?
You feel this part if you run your hand down a person's back. Then there are two transverse processes (little bony bumps), where the back muscles attach to the vertebrae.
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