Zygapophysis

The articular processes or zygapophyses (Greek ζυγον = "yoke" (because it links two vertebrae) + απο = "away" + φυσις = "process") of a vertebra, two superior and two inferior, spring from the junctions of the pedicles and laminæ. These stick out of an end of a vertebra to lock with a zygapophysis on the next vertebra, to make the backbone more stable.

• The superior processes project upward from a lower vertebra, and their articular surfaces are directed more or less backward.
• The inferior processes 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.

See also

• Zygapophyseal joint
• Pars interarticularis

Additional images

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."
• articular+process at eMedicine Dictionary
• Photo of model at Waynesburg College skeleton2/inferiorarticularprocess
• Photo of model at Waynesburg College skeleton2/superiorarticularprocess

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