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Medical Definition of Arcus vertebrae
1. The posterior projection from the body of a vertebra that encloses the vertebral foramen; it consists of paired pedicles and laminae; the spinous, transverse, and articular processes arise from the arch. In aggregate, the venous arches-and the ligamenta flava that unite them-form the posterior wall of the vertebral (spinal) canal. Synonym: arcus vertebrae, neural arch. (05 Mar 2000)