uncinate process

English

Noun

uncinate process (plural uncinate processes)

1. (anatomy) A sickle-shaped extension of the ethmoid bone that projects posteroinferiorly from the ethmoidal labyrinth and articulates with the inferior nasal conchae.
2. (anatomy) A small portion of the head of the pancreas that extends to the back of the superior mesenteric vein and ends at the superior mesenteric artery.
3. (anatomy) A hook-shaped upward projection arising from each lateral border of the upper surface of the vertebral bodies of several cervical vertebrae (C3–C7).
4. (zoology) A bony extension that projects caudally from the vertical segment of each rib, found in most birds, reptiles, and the early amphibian Ichthyostega.