articular process of vertebra

Introduction

One of the small flat projections on either side of the vertebral arch, at the point where the pedicles & laminae join. The articular arches form the zygapophysial joint surfaces.

Each articular process has an articular facet. The direction of the articular facet determine the nature of the movement between adjacent vertebrae & prevents the vertebrae from slipping anteriorly.

More general terms

• bony process
• vertebra

Component of

• vertebra