What is superior articular facet?
A joint is where two or more bones are joined. One pair faces upward (superior articular facet) and one downward (inferior articular facet). There is one joint on each side (right and left). Facet joints are hinge–like and link vertebrae together. They are located at the back of the spine (posterior).
What is 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.
What attaches to the superior articular facet?
Superior articular facet (Facies articularis superior) is an oval-shaped, concave structure on the superior aspect of the lateral mass. It articulates with an occipital condyle on the underside skull.
What do the superior articular processes of vertebrae articulate with?
The superior articular processes project upward, where they articulate with the downward projecting inferior articular processes of the next higher vertebrae. A typical cervical vertebra has a small body, a bifid (Y-shaped) spinous process, and U-shaped transverse processes with a transverse foramen.
Where do you feel facet joint pain?
Typically, facet joint pain feels like a dull ache, localized to one area of the spine. The pain may be experienced on one or both sides, and often in the lower back or neck. Movements toward the affected joint will cause pain.
What is superior articular surface?
The superior articular surface (superior facet)s are of large size, oval, concave, and approach each other in front, but diverge behind: they are directed upward, medialward, and a little backward, each forming a cup for the corresponding condyle of the occipital bone, and are admirably adapted to the nodding movements …
What are the four articular processes?
Articular Processes
- Lumbar Vertebrae.
- Synovial Joint.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
- Fluoroscopy.
- Intervertebral Disc.
- Vertebral Artery.
- Nerve Root.
- Stenosis.
What attaches to the articular process?
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 the function of the superior articular process?
The functional significance of the articular processes is obviously to limit rotation, which can take place in the lumbar segment of the vertebral column during any asymmetrical movement of the body.
What is the function of the superior and inferior articular processes?
Articular processes spring from the junctions of the pedicles and laminæ, and there are two right and left, and two superior and inferior. These stick out of an end of a vertebra to lock with a zygapophysis on the next vertebra, to make the backbone more stable.
What is the purpose of the articular processes of the vertebrae quizlet?
The inferior articular processes of the superior vertebra articulate with the superior articular processes of the inferior vertebra. Spinal joints allow flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation, and gliding transitional movements. The large opening in the body of a vertebra allowing for passage of the spinal cord.