Definition: A process is a natural growth or extension that projects from the main part of a bone. In the spine, most of the vertebrae have several processes each (1 spinous process, 4 articular processes and 2 transverse processes) to which muscles and other soft tissue attach. The articular processes form the facet joints as they interface with the articular processes either above or below.
Examples:
The tips of the spinous processes can be seen and felt on many people as a series of knobby little bones in a vertical line that goes down the center of the back.
