The articular process or zygapophysis ( +
apophysis) of a
vertebra
Each vertebra (: vertebrae) is an irregular bone with a complex structure composed of bone and some hyaline cartilage, that make up the vertebral column or spine, of vertebrates. The proportions of the vertebrae differ according to their spina ...
is a projection of the vertebra that serves the purpose of fitting with an adjacent vertebra. The actual region of contact is called the ''articular facet''.
[Moore, Keith L. et al. (2010) ''Clinically Oriented Anatomy'', 6th Ed, p.442 fig. 4.2]
Articular processes spring from the junctions of the
pedicles and
laminæ, and there are two right and left, and two superior and inferior. These stick out of an end of a
vertebra
Each vertebra (: vertebrae) is an irregular bone with a complex structure composed of bone and some hyaline cartilage, that make up the vertebral column or spine, of vertebrates. The proportions of the vertebrae differ according to their spina ...
to lock with a zygapophysis on the next vertebra, to make the
backbone more stable.
* The superior processes or prezygapophysis project upward from a lower vertebra, and their articular surfaces are directed more or less backward (oblique coronal plane).
* The inferior processes or postzygapophysis project downward from a higher vertebra, and their articular surfaces are directed more or less forward and outward.
The articular surfaces are coated with
hyaline cartilage.
In the cervical vertebral column, the articular processes collectively form the
articular pillars. These are the bony surfaces palpated just lateral to the spinous processes.
Additional images
Image:Cervical vertebra english.png, Cervical vertebra
Image:Gray301.png, Median sagittal section of two lumbar vertebræ and their ligaments.
See also
*
Pars interarticularis
*
Zygapophyseal joint
References
External links
*
Articular processes- BlueLink Anatomy - University of Michigan Medical School
* - "Lumbar Vertebral Column, Posterolateral View"
* - "Superior and lateral views of typical vertebrae."
*
Photo of model at Waynesburg College skeleton2/inferiorarticularprocess'
*
Photo of model at Waynesburg College skeleton2/superiorarticularprocess'
Bones of the thorax
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