Preferred Label : zygapophysis;
Uberon definition : Paired processes at the cephalic and caudal ends of the neural arch. They function
as interlocking structures between adjacent vertebrae, and limit dorsoventral flexion
and lateral movement of the column in the trunk region[AAO]. The articular processes
or zygapophyses of a vertebra, in human anatomy contain two superior and two inferior,
spring from the junctions of the pedicles and laminae. 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.;
Uberon synonym : processus articularis (zygapophysis); articular process of vertebra;
Uberon related term : intercalarium articulating process;
Uberon broad term : articular process;
Origin ID : 0006062;
Automatic exact mappings (from CISMeF team)
- Uberon cross reference
- has part
- in lateral side of
Paired processes at the cephalic and caudal ends of the neural arch. They function
as interlocking structures between adjacent vertebrae, and limit dorsoventral flexion
and lateral movement of the column in the trunk region[AAO]. The articular processes
or zygapophyses of a vertebra, in human anatomy contain two superior and two inferior,
spring from the junctions of the pedicles and laminae. 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.
