Facet Joints

Original Editor - Rachael Lowe

Lead Editors - Rachael Lowe, Kim Jackson, Laura Ritchie, Lucinda hampton, Evan Thomas, Aarti Sareen, WikiSysop, 127.0.0.1 and Tony Lowe  

Description

Illustration highlighting facet joint articulation between two vertebrae

Also known as zygapophyseal or apopphyseal joint, is a synovial joint between the superior articular process of one vertebra and the inferior articular process of the vertebra directly above it. There are two facet joints in each spinal motion segment.

  

Articulating Surfaces

Superior articular facet on the superior process of the vertebra below with the inferior articular facet on the inferior articular process of the vertebra above.

Motions Available

Movements are coupled.

Function

Guide and limit movement of the spinal motion segment.

References

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