Dependent Variable- The variable being studied in the experiment; it is expected to change when the independent variable is changed. Thus, a typical experiment will examine the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
Articular processes: These processes form joints between successive vertebrae. The superior and inferior articular processes arise from the same junctions as the transverse processes (one superior and one inferior process on each side), and each process has an articular surface called a facet.
The location of such a vertebra is predominately at the ends of the column and at the levels of transition between its regions. Thus, sacralization of the fifth lumbar, lumbar-like articular processes in the eleventh thoracic, and thoracic costal facets on the seventh cervical are observed. The levels of transition may be shifted cephalad, resulting in 23 mobile vertebrae, or shifted caudad, resulting in 25 presacral vertebrae.