uncinate process

plural uncinate processes

1. anatomyA sickle-shaped extension of the ethmoid bone that projects posteroinferiorly from the ethmoidal labyrinth and articulates with the inferior nasal conchae.
2. anatomyA 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. anatomyA hook-shaped upward projection arising from each lateral border of the upper surface of the vertebral bodies of several cervical vertebrae (C3–C7).
4. biologyA bony extension that projects caudally from the vertical segment of each rib, found in most birds, reptiles, and the early amphibian Ichthyostega.