Zygapophyses

Articular processes
A cervical vertebra. (Superior and inferior processes labeled at right.)
A thoracic vertebra. (Superior labeled at top; inferior labeled at bottom.)
Details
Identifiers
Latin	Processus articularis inferior vertebrae, processus articularis superior vertebrae
Dorlands /Elsevier	p_34/12667306
TA	A02.2.01.014 A02.2.01.016
FMA	11952
Anatomical terms of bone []

The articular processes or zygapophyses (Greek ζυγον = "yoke" (because it links two vertebrae) + απο = "away" + φυσις = "process") of a vertebra, are projections of the vertebra that serve the purpose of fitting with an adjacent vertebra. The actual region of contact is called the articular facet.

Articular processes spring from the junctions of the pedicles and laminæ, and there are two right and left, and two superior and inferior. 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 articular surfaces are coated with hyaline cartilage.

In the cervical vertebral column, the articular processes collectively form the articular pillars. These are the bony surfaces palpated just lateral to the spinous processes.

Cervical vertebra

Median sagittal section of two lumbar vertebræ and their ligaments.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)