the inferior articular facet of the vertebra above it
The superior articular facet is a small, flat surface located on the upper portion of a vertebra. It articulates with the corresponding inferior articular facet of the vertebra above it, forming a facet joint that allows for movement and stability in the spine. These facets help guide the motion of the spinal column.
The superior articular process of the sacrum articulates with the inferior articular process of the last lumbar vertebra (L5) to form the lumbosacral joint.
The axis (second cervical vertebra) has a small flat articular surface called the odontoid process or dens which articulates with the atlas (first cervical vertebra) to allow for rotation of the head.
The zygapophysial joint, also known as the facet joint, is formed by the articulation between the superior and inferior articular processes of adjacent vertebrae in the spine. These joints help to stabilize the spine and allow for movement between the vertebrae. The joint is lined with cartilage and surrounded by a joint capsule filled with synovial fluid.
Each vertebra typically has two articular surfaces, which are the surfaces where one vertebra meets another. These surfaces are covered with cartilage and form joints called facet joints, which allow for smooth movement and stability within the spine.
There is no inferior process on any vertebrae, thoracic or not. There is an inferior articular facet. The inferior articular facet would articulate with the superior articular facet of the vertebrae just superior to it.
The superior articular facet is a small, flat surface located on the upper portion of a vertebra. It articulates with the corresponding inferior articular facet of the vertebra above it, forming a facet joint that allows for movement and stability in the spine. These facets help guide the motion of the spinal column.
The superior articular process of the sacrum articulates with the inferior articular process of the last lumbar vertebra (L5) to form the lumbosacral joint.
headThe pedicle of the rib articulates with the transverse process of the thoracic vertebra.
The axis (second cervical vertebra) has a small flat articular surface called the odontoid process or dens which articulates with the atlas (first cervical vertebra) to allow for rotation of the head.
The surface of the superior articular will work right above the inferior surface in a vertebra. This is not true in the atlas.
Let's consider this issue from another facet.
In anatomy, a facet is a classification of bones according to their bone surface features. A facet is a small, flat, articular surface.
A small nearly flat articular surface is a structure found in joints where bones come into contact. It allows for limited movement between the bones, such as in the gliding joints of the wrist and ankle. This type of surface is important for providing stability and facilitating smooth movements within the joint.
Articular facet disease, also known as facet joint osteoarthritis, occurs when the cartilage in the facet joints of the spine deteriorates, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. This condition is a common cause of back and neck pain, often exacerbated by movement or overuse of the affected joints. Treatment may include pain management, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
The inferior surface of the T11 vertebra articulates with the superior surface of the T12 vertebra below it, forming a facet joint that allows for movement and stability of the thoracic spine. This articulation plays a role in supporting the torso and facilitating movement in the mid-back region.
The joints in the back are called facet joints. Each vertebra has two sets of facet joints. 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).