spinous process

American  

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

1. a spinelike process of a bone, especially the dorsal projection from the center of the arch of a vertebra.

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Etymology

Origin of spinous process

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

Figure 7.26 Thoracic Vertebrae A typical thoracic vertebra is distinguished by the spinous process, which is long and projects downward to overlap the next inferior vertebra.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Figure 7.25 Cervical Vertebrae A typical cervical vertebra has a small body, a bifid spinous process, transverse processes that have a transverse foramen and are curved for spinal nerve passage.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

They have short transverse processes and a short, blunt spinous process that projects posteriorly.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

A typical thoracic vertebra is distinguished by its long, downward projecting spinous process.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Opening oval, margin smooth; a short spinous process at the upper and outer angle; a sharp short spine in the middle of the upper border of the middle cell, at a bifurcation.

From Narrative of the Voyage of H.M.S. Rattlesnake, Commanded By the Late Captain Owen Stanley, R.N., F.R.S. Etc. During the Years 1846-1850. Including Discoveries and Surveys in New Guinea, the Louisiade Archipelago, Etc. to Which Is Added the Account of Mr. E.B. Kennedy's Expedition for the Exploration of the Cape York Peninsula. By John Macgillivray, F.R.G.S. Naturalist to the Expedition. — Volume 1 by MacGillivray, John