Anat. and Zool. Pl. -physes. [mod.L., f. Gr. ζυγόν yoke + ἀπόφυσις APOPHYSIS.] A lateral process on the neural arch of a vertebra, articulating with the corresponding process of the next vertebra; an articular process. There are normally four to each vertebra, viz. right and left anterior (prezygapophyses) and right and left posterior (postzygapophyses). Hence Zygapophysial a., pertaining to a zygapophysis.
1854. Owen, in Orr’s Circ. Sci., Org. Nat., I. 169. The exogenous parts are the diapophysis…, the parapophysis…, the zygapophysis…, the anapophysis…, the metapophysis…, the hypapophysis…, and the epapophysis.
1870. Rolleston, Anim. Life, 11. Two oblique zygapophysial surfaces.
