What is the purpose of the superior inferior articular facets?

The transverse and spinous processes serve as important muscle attachment sites. A superior articular process extends or faces upward, and an inferior articular process faces or projects downward on each side of a vertebrae.

Just so, what is the superior articular facet?

Superior articular facet (facies articularis superior) is a posterior facing, slightly concave surface on the superior articular process. It articulates with the inferior articular facet on the vertebra above.

Beside above, what is the inferior articular process? : a process of a vertebra that lies on each side of the neural arch and projects downward and articulates with a superior articular process of the next more caudal vertebra The inferior articular processes have vertical convex articular facets which face anterolaterally. —

Considering this, what is the purpose of the facet joint?

The biomechanical function of each pair of facet joints is to guide and limit movement of the spinal motion segment. In the lumbar spine, for example, the facet joints function to protect the motion segment from anterior shear forces, excessive rotation and flexion.

What is the superior articular process?

A superior articular process extends or faces upward, and an inferior articular process faces or projects downward on each side of a vertebrae. The paired superior articular processes of one vertebra join with the corresponding paired inferior articular processes from the next higher vertebra.

29 Related Question Answers Found

What is the difference between a process and a facet?

The articular processes or zygapophyses (Greek ζυγον = "yoke" (because it links two vertebrae) + απο = "away" + φυσις = "process") of a vertebra, are projections of the vertebra that serve the purpose of fitting with an adjacent vertebra. The actual region of contact is called the articular facet.

What is a facet in anatomy?

Facet Joints of the Spine's Anatomy. Joints allow motion (articulation). The joints in the spine are commonly called Facet Joints. Other names for these joints are Zygapophyseal or Apophyseal Joints. Each vertebra has two sets of facet joints.

Which joints are found between the superior and inferior articular processes?

The joints of the vertebral arches are the zygapophysial joints (often called facet joints). These articulations are plane synovial joints between the superior and the inferior articular processes (zygapophyses) of adjacent vertebrae. Each facet joint is surrounded by a thin, loose joint capsule (articular capsule).

Where is the articular process located?

The articular processes are located on the vertebral arch at the junction of the pedicles and lamina. A cranial articular process joins with a caudal articular process from the vertebra located immediately cranially to form an articular process joint (Figure 3-4).

What spinal curvature is the most superior?

The cervical region of the spine is the most superior and contains seven small vertebrae. The main function of the cervical region is to facilitate attachment of the skull to the spine, protect the spinal cord over the exposed neck and shoulder region, and support the body.

What are the three most common abnormal spinal curvatures?

There are three main types of spine curvature disorders, including:

Lordosis. Also called swayback, the spine of a person with lordosis curves significantly inward at the lower back.
Kyphosis. Kyphosis is characterized by an abnormally rounded upper back (more than 50 degrees of curvature).
Scoliosis.

Which vertebrae have the largest size vertebral bodies?

lumbar vertebrae

What does facet mean in medical terms?

Medical Definition of facet

: a smooth flat or nearly flat circumscribed anatomical surface the articular facet of a bone.

Is facet joint pain permanent?

For hundreds of thousands of people who suffer with chronic back pain due to facet arthritis, there is a treatment breakthrough that is completely noninvasive and can bring fast, permanent pain relief. Inflammation and bone spurs can occur, causing acute pain. Headaches and muscle pain are common complications.

Do facet joints pop?

When the facet joints move like this, they can produce an audible crack or pop along with a grinding sensation or sudden relief of pressure. The cracking, popping, snapping, or grinding sensation that occurs when a joint moves is called crepitus and is usually a harmeless occurrence.

What is the disc of the facet joint made up of?

The Facet Joint. The facet joints make up part of the three joint complex which governs movement in each motion segment of the spine. This three joint complex is made up of the intervetebral disc (IVD) and the posteriorly positioned facet joints, one left and one right.

How many joints are in the spine?

Each level of your spine functions as a three-joint complex. There are two facet joints in the back and a large disc in front.

How do you recover from a facet joint injury?

The recovery time for a facet joint sprain may vary from patient to patient depending on compliance with physiotherapy. With ideal treatment, patients may be pain free in as little as several days, although typically this may take 2 – 3 weeks.

What type of joint is between the vertebrae?

synovial joints

What is a facet on a diamond?

A facet is a flat surface on the geometric shape of the diamond. For example, if you would take a look at the brilliant cut diamond you will see the stone consists of 57 facets; the crown of the diamond has 33 facets on the top part of the girdle and 24 on the pavilion, which is underneath the girdle.

What is the spinous process?

Spinous process is a bony projection off the posterior (back) of each vertebra. The spinous process protrudes where the laminae of the vertebral arch join and provides the point of attachment for muscles and ligaments of the spine.

What are the Atlas and Axis what are their functions?

The atlas and axis are specialized to allow a greater range of motion than normal vertebrae. They are responsible for the nodding and rotation movements of the head. The atlanto-occipital joint allows the head to nod up and down on the vertebral column.