Each spinal nerve exits the vertebral canal laterally through an intervertebral foramen (Fig. 2.12). The foramen is formed between adjacent vertebral arches and is closely related to intervertebral joints:
The superior and inferior margins are formed by notches in adjacent pedicles.
The posterior margin is formed by the articular processes of the vertebral arches and the associated joint.
The anterior border is formed by the intervertebral disc between the vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae.