Transverse process

The transverse processes, two in number, project one at either side from the point where the lamina joins the pedicle, between the cranial and caudal articular processes.

In cervical vertebrae, their is some particularities:

• The transverse processes are perforated toward their base by the transverse foramen for passage of vertebral vessels and nerve.

• There is cranioventral branch on the transverse process from C3 to C7, called the ventral tubercle. This ventral tubercle is enlarged on C6 (ventral plate)

• There is also a caudoventral branch of transverse process from C3 to C7 called the dorsal tubercle.

The morphology of the transverse processes varies among species: in dogs and cats, those of the lumbar vertebrae are wide and flattened; in ruminants, they are massive and oriented horizontally; in horses, they are highly developed and limit lateral flexion of the back; in humans, their shape depends on the vertebral region and contributes to the clear differentiation between cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae.