The spinous process of a vertebra is directed backward and downward from the junction of the laminae (in humans), and serves for the attachment of muscles and ligaments. In animals without an erect stance, the process points upward and may slant forward or backward. Spinous processes are exaggerated in some animals, such as the extinct Dimetrodon and Spinosaurus, where they form a sail- or finback.

• Articular processes
• Transverse processes

• 
  Cervical vertebra
• 
  Median sagittal section of two lumbar vertebræ and their ligaments.
• 
  Costotransverse articulation. Seen from above.

• Template:SUNYAnatomyFigs – “Superior and lateral views of typical vertebrae.”
• Template:UMichAtlas
• Template:BiowebUW

Template:Gray’s Template:Spine