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

The characteristic feature for a typical midthoracic vertebra is the spinous process, which is long and has a pronounced downward angle that causes it to overlap the next inferior vertebra.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Figure 7.28 Lumbar Vertebrae Lumbar vertebrae are characterized by having a large, thick body and a short, rounded spinous process.

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 also have a short, blunt spinous process.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Fracture of Scapula, with fissures radiating into spinous process and dorsum.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander