Inferior Articular Process of Third Lumbar Vertebra (Left)

Description

The inferior articular processes (inferior zygapophyses) are the two downwardly projecting processes located at the lateral parts of the vertebral arch of a lumbar vertebra. They extend inferiorly from the laminae.

Overall, the inferior articular processes of lumbar vertebrae consist of anterolaterally facing inferior articular facets. They articulate with the superior articular processes of the vertebra below, forming zygapophyseal joints.