What are the superior and inferior articular processes?
The superior articular processes project vertically upward from the articular pillars between the pedicles and the laminae. The concave facet of each superior articular process faces dorsomedially to the inferior articular facets of the vertebra above it (Fig. 3-21 ).
What is the superior articular process of the spinal column?
The structure indicated is the superior articular process. There are 33 vertebrae which make up the spinal column: The superior articular process articulates with the inferior articular process of the vertebrae above. These articulations are known as zyapophysial joints.
What are the inferior articular processes of the lumbar vertebrae?
The inferior articular processes of lumbar vertebrae are convex anteriorly and laterally. They possess inferior articular facets that cover their anterolateral surface. As with the superior articular facets, the inferior ones vary in shape.
What is the articular process of the vertebral arch?
The superior articular process articulates with the inferior articular process of the vertebrae above. These articulations are known as zyapophysial joints. The articular processes arise from the junction between the laminae and pedicles of the vertebral arch.
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 purpose of the superior inferior articular facets?
The facet joints, both superior and inferior, are aligned in a way to allow flexion and extension, and to limit rotation. This is especially true in the lumbar spine.
What is the inferior articular process?
The inferior articular processes run downward and slightly laterally from the laminae. Their articular surfaces face ventrolaterally to the superior articular facets of the vertebrae below them. The articular plane is curvilinear.
When combined superior and inferior articular process are known as a?
A typical vertebra also contains four articular processes, two superior and two inferior, which contact the inferior and superior articular processes of adjacent vertebrae, respectively. The point at which superior and articular facets meet is known as a facet, or zygapophyseal, joint.
Where do you find superior and inferior articular facets?
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. One pair faces upward (superior articular facet) and one downward (inferior articular facet).
What is the difference between the articular process and the articular 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 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 is inferior articular surface?
The inferior articular surfaces (inferior articular facets) are circular in form, flattened or slightly convex and directed downward and medialward, articulating with the axis, and permitting the rotatory movements of the head.
What does the inferior articular facet articulate with?
Inferior articular facet (Facies articularis inferior) is a flattened surface on the inferior lateral mass tht articulates with the superior articular facet on the axis vertebra (C2).
How many articular processes are there in typical vertebra?
A typical vertebra will consist of a body, a vertebral arch, and seven processes ((Figure)). The body is the anterior portion of each vertebra and is the part that supports the body weight.
What is the function of the transverse process?
The transverse processes serve as muscle attachment sites and are used as lever arms by spinal muscles. The muscles that attach to the transverse processes maintain posture and induce rotation and lateral flexion of single vertebrae and the spine as a whole.
How are the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae connected between each other by?
Intervertebral discs The articular surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies are lined by sheets of hyaline cartilage (vertebral end-plates) and linked together by the fibrocartilaginous IV discs.
What is facet of superior articular process?
The superior articular facet faces upward and works like a hinge with the inferior articular facet (below). Like other joints in the body, each facet joint is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue and produces synovial fluid to nourish and lubricate the joint.
What does the inferior articular facet articulate with?
Inferior articular facet (Facies articularis inferior) is a flattened surface on the inferior lateral mass tht articulates with the superior articular facet on the axis vertebra (C2).
What is the function of the costal facets on thoracic vertebrae?
The body also has small, smooth, and somewhat concave costal facets for the attachment of the ribs. Ribs are generally inserted between two vertebrae, such that each vertebra contributes to articulating with half of the articular surface.
What type of tissue covers the facets of the articular processes of the vertebrae?
The facet joints are covered by a soft tissue called the articular cartilage, which allows the smooth movement of the bones.