Zygapophysis

noun

1. One of two usually paired processes of the neural arch of a vertebra that articulates with corresponding parts of adjacent vertebrae.
2. A process upon the neural arch of a vertebra corresponding to that called <internalXref urlencoded="oblique">oblique</internalXref> or <em>articular</em> in human anatomy, provided with a facet for articulation with the same process of a preceding or succeeding vertebra, thus serving to interlock the series of vertebral arches.
3. One of the articular processes of a vertebra, of which there are usually four, two anterior and two posterior. See under <xref urlencoded="vertebra">vertebra</xref>.
4. One of the <xref>articular</xref> <xref>processes</xref> of a <xref>vertebra</xref>, of which there are usually four, two <xref>superior</xref> and two <xref>inferior</xref>.