styloid process

plural styloid processes

1. A slender projection of bone:
   1. anatomyA sharp spine that projects downward and forward from the inferior surface of the temporal bone just in front of the stylomastoid foramen and that is derived from cartilage of the second pharyngeal arch.
   2. anatomyAn eminence on the distal extremity of the ulna projecting from the medial and posterior part of the bone and giving attachment to a ligament of the wrist joint.
   3. anatomyA conical prolongation of the lateral surface of the distal extremity of the radius that gives attachment to several tendons and ligaments.