Lamina – a thin semi-circle like arch of bone between the transverse and spinous
processes
Spinal canal – the hole in the middle of each vertebra through which the spinal
cord passes from the brain down to the lower back
Facet joints
The spine also has joints - similar to knees, elbows, and other joints.
The spinal joints are called facet joints.
Facets refer to the flattened areas on the articular processes where
each vertebra connects with the one above or below. These areas are
covered with a spongy layer of tissue called cartilage that acts as a
shock absorber and smoothes the movement between the bony
vertebrae. The facet joints are located at the back of the spinal
column and help to make the spine flexible.
