Articular processes

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Articular processes

A cervical vertebra. (Superior and inferior processes labeled at right.)

A thoracic vertebra. (Superior labeled at top; inferior labeled at bottom.)
Latin	p. articularis inferior vertebrae, p. articularis superior vertebrae,
Gray's	subject #20 97
Dorlands/Elsevier	p_34/12667306

The articular processes of a vertebra, two superior and two inferior, spring from the junctions of the pedicles and laminæ.

The superior project upward, and their articular surfaces are directed more or less backward; the inferior project downward, and their surfaces look more or less forward.

The articular surfaces are coated with hyaline cartilage.

[edit] See also

Zygapophyseal joint

[edit] External links

Bioweb at UWLAX aplab
Atlas of anatomy at UMich back_bone28 - "Lumbar Vertebral Column, Posterolateral View"
SUNY Figs 02:01-09 - "Superior and lateral views of typical vertebrae."
Diagram at waynesburg.edu (inferior)
Diagram at waynesburg.edu (superior)

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Spine edit

general structures: body of vertebra, vertebral arch (pedicle, lamina, vertebral notch), foramina (vertebral, intervertebral), processes (transverse, articular, spinous)