In
anatomy, a process (
Latin: processus) is a projection or outgrowth of
tissue from a larger body.[1] For instance, in a
vertebra, a process may serve for muscle attachment and leverage (as in the case of the
transverse and
spinous processes), or to fit (forming a
synovial joint), with another vertebra (as in the case of the
articular processes).[2] The word is also used at the
microanatomic level, where
cells can have processes such as
cilia or
pedicels. Depending on the tissue, processes may also be called by other terms, such as apophysis, tubercle, or protuberance.