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Glite Dictionary
spinous process

spinous process

1 8.4
A bony part on the back of each spine bone where muscles and ligaments attach
  • noun
  • /ˈspaɪnəs ˈprɑːsɛs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : apófisis espinosa
  • The center of the inflatable portion of the corset was located over the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra.

They didn't realize that when we work with a person who has a huge arch, they have big spaces between those spinous processes.

Examples

  • The spinal surgeon identified the L3 spinous process before beginning the operation to correct the patient's alignment.

  • Many of the muscles that support the vertebral column attach at the transverse processes and the spinous process.

    Academic text (2005)

  • The open and microdiscectomy procedures involve a posterior midline incision over the spinous processes at the desired level.

    Academic text (2005)

  • The distal electrode was at the level of the L4 spinous process, and the proximal electrode was 3 cm above.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Most of the vertebrae are composed of a vertebral body, two pedicles, two laminae, two transverse processes, and one spinous process (Figure 2).

    Academic text (2005)

  • The spinous process of each vertebra serves as an attachment point for important muscles and ligaments.

  • During the dissection, we carefully examined the spinous process to understand its role in spinal stability.

Surface Forms

spinous process singular
spinous processes plural

Morphology

spinous + process

The term combines 'spinous' (characterized by spines/pointed structures) with 'process' (a projection), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it denotes a pointed bony projection. The modifier+noun composition is literal and follows common anatomical naming patterns (and parallels in other languages), making the meaning directly derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Spinous process comes from words that make a clear image: spinous means 'spine-like' and process means 'something that sticks out'. So the name describes the small bony point that sticks out from the back of each vertebra and gives a place for muscles and ligaments to attach.