Final answer:
Vertebral bodies are located anterior to the spinous processes and support the body's weight, while the posteriorly extending spinous processes serve as muscle attachment sites. The size and shape of these structures vary along the spinal column, correlating with their different functions and the type of movement they permit.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vertebral bodies are positioned anterior to the spinous processes within the spine. The vertebral body of each vertebra is the part of the bone that supports the body weight and is located at the front (anterior) of the vertebral column. The spinous processes, on the other hand, are bony projections that extend posteriorly (towards the back) from the vertebral arch and can be felt as bumps along the middle of the back. These processes serve as attachment sites for muscles and ligaments. In specific regions of the spinal column, such as the thoracic and lumbar area, the characteristic features differ. For instance, thoracic vertebrae have long spinous processes that angle downwards, while lumbar vertebrae have short, blunt spinous processes. The vertebral bodies become larger and thicker as they progress down the vertebral column to accommodate the increasing weight they need to support. The different shapes and orientations of the spinous processes and articular facets among the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal vertebrae contribute to the varying degrees of movement and articulation they allow.