A bony process or projection on a vertebra that extends between the superior and inferior articular facets, found in reptiles and some other vertebrates.
Greek 'dia-' (between) + 'apo-' (away from) + 'physis' (growth). This precise anatomical term was developed by comparative anatomists studying reptilian skeletal structure.
The diapophysis is what makes a snake's spine so incredibly flexible—these little projections lock and unlock to allow amazing spinal articulation that mammals just can't match!
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