Facet Joints

Original Editor - Rachael Lowe

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

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.

The facet joints are situated between the pedicle and lamina of the same vertebra and form the articular pillars that act to provide structural stability to the vertebral column as a whole.

Articulating Surfaces

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

Ligaments & Joint Capsule

The posterior ligamentous complex acts to stabilise the vertebral column and hold the facet joints of the neighbouring vertebrae in fixed relation with each other.  It is made up of the following structures:

• posterior longitudinal ligament
• facet joint capsule
• ligamentum flavum
• interspinous ligament
• supraspinous ligament
  

Motions Available

Movements are coupled.

Function

Guide and limit movement of the spinal motion segment.

Contribute to stability of each motion segment.

References

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