Which statement is true about the mamillary processes?

Which statement is true about the mamillary processes?

• A. They are located on the superior articular facets
• B. They are located on the inferior articular facets
• C. They are located on the transverse processes
• D. They are located on the spinous processes

Answer: (A)

Mammillary processes are small projections on the posterior aspect of the superior articular process of lumbar vertebrae. They sit behind the facet joints and serve as muscle attachment points (notably for deep back muscles like the multifidus). Because they are part of the superior articular process region, the statement that they are located on the superior articular processes is the correct one. They are not on the inferior articular facets, nor on the transverse or spinous processes, which is why those options don’t fit. This lumbar landmark helps identify vertebrae and understand where certain muscles attach to stabilize the spine.

Mammillary processes are small projections on the posterior aspect of the superior articular process of lumbar vertebrae. They sit behind the facet joints and serve as muscle attachment points (notably for deep back muscles like the multifidus). Because they are part of the superior articular process region, the statement that they are located on the superior articular processes is the correct one. They are not on the inferior articular facets, nor on the transverse or spinous processes, which is why those options don’t fit. This lumbar landmark helps identify vertebrae and understand where certain muscles attach to stabilize the spine.