Process (anatomy)

Process
Details
Identifiers
Latinprocessus
TA98A02.0.00.028
TA2397
FMA75428
Anatomical terminology

In anatomy, a process (Latin: processus) is a projection or outgrowth of tissue from a larger body.[1] 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).[2] The word is also used 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 protuberance.

  1. ^ Dorland's Medical Dictionary
  2. ^ Moore, Keith L. et al. (2010) Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 6th Ed, p.442 fig. 4.2