one of several processes on a vertebra that articulates with the corresponding process on an adjacent vertebra
Derived forms
zygapophyseal or zygapophysial (ˌzɪɡæpəˈfɪzɪəl, ˌzaɪɡ-)
adjective
Word origin
C19: from zygo- + apophysis
Examples of 'zygapophyses' in a sentence
zygapophyses
Vertebral laminae are bony ridges or sheets that connect important morphological landmarks on the vertebrae, like diapophyses or zygapophyses.
Emanuel Tschopp 2016, 'Nomenclature of Vertebral Laminae in Lizards, with Comments on Ontogenetic and SerialVariation in Lacertini (Squamata, Lacertidae)', PLOS ONE10.1371/journal.pone.0149445. Retrieved from PLOS CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode)
The nomenclatural system identifies fossae by pointing to reference landmarks (e.g., neural spine, centrum, costal articulations, zygapophyses).
Jeffrey A Wilson, Michael D D'Emic, Takehito Ikejiri, Emile M Moacdieh, John A Whitlock 2011, 'A nomenclature for vertebral fossae in sauropods and other saurischian dinosaurs.',PLoS ONEhttp://europepmc.org/articles/PMC3046170?pdf=render. Retrieved from PLOS CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode)