a) a 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 visceral arch
b) an 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
c) a conical prolongation of the lateral surface of the distal extremity of the radius that gives attachment to several tendons and ligaments
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1. a long slender downward-pointing spine projecting from the lower surface of the temporal bone of the skull. It provides attachment for muscles and ligaments of the tongue and hyoid bone.
2. any of various other spiny projections; occurring, for example, at the lower ends of the ulna and radius.
Medical dictionary. 2011.