mastoid process a conical projection at the base of the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. maxillary process. 1. maxillary prominence. 2. a bony process descending from the ethmoid process of the inferior nasal concha. nursing process see nursing process. odontoid process a toothlike projection of the axis that articulates with the atlas. pterygoid process either of the two processes of the sphenoid bone, descending from the points of junction of the great wings and the body of the bone, and each consisting of a lateral and a medial plate.