The articular processes or zygapophyses (
Greek ζυγον = "
yoke" (because it links two vertebrae) + απο = "away" + φυσις = "
process") of a
vertebra
The spinal column, a defining synapomorphy shared by nearly all vertebrates, Hagfish are believed to have secondarily lost their spinal column is a moderately flexible series of vertebrae (singular vertebra), each constituting a characteristi ...
are projections of the vertebra that serve 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
The spinal column, a defining synapomorphy shared by nearly all vertebrates, Hagfish are believed to have secondarily lost their spinal column is a moderately flexible series of vertebrae (singular vertebra), each constituting a characteristi ...
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
Hyaline cartilage is the glass-like (hyaline) and translucent cartilage found on many joint surfaces. It is also most commonly found in the ribs, nose, larynx, and trachea. Hyaline cartilage is pearl-gray in color, with a firm consistency and h ...
.
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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