Process (anatomy)

Process
The transverse, articular, mamillary and accessory processes of a lumbar vertebra.
Details
Identifiers
Latin	processus
TA	A02.0.00.028
Anatomical terminology []

In anatomy, a process (Latin: processus) is a projection or outgrowth of tissue from a larger body. For instance, in a vertebra, a process may serve for muscle attachment and leverage (as in the case of the transverse and spinous processes), or to fit (forming a synovial joint), with another vertebra (as in the case of the articular processes). The word is used even at the microanatomic level, where cells can have processes such as cilia or pedicels. Depending on the tissue, processes may also be called by other terms, such as apophysis, tubercle, or .

Examples of processes include: