Process (Anatomy)

In anatomy, a process is a protrusion of tissue from a larger body, usually a bone. Bone processes provide attachment points for muscles and ligaments. They also shape bones in a way that allows them to move easily with other bones - for example, the vertebrae have several processes that allows them to articulate smoothly.

Some bone processes, for example, the two major processes around the shoulder, the coracoid and acromion, allow the muscles and ligaments attached to them to gain a larger mechanical advantage because they bind at a larger angle.

Bone processes

 * Mastoid process on the temporal bone of the skull
 * Temporal styloid process on the temporal bone of the skull
 * Condyloid process on the mandible (jaw bone)
 * Coracoid process on the scapula (shoulder blade)
 * Acromion process on the scapula (shoulder blade)
 * Spinous process on the vertebrae, sticking out of the back.
 * Radial styloid process on the radius.