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 inferior articular facet of the vertebra above it
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.
The apophyseal joints are synovial joints in the vertebral column, between the superior or cranial articular process of one vertebra and the inferior or caudal articular process of the vertebra directly above it. See the link below:
the inferior articular facet of the vertebra above it
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 process of the sacrum articulates with the inferior articular process of the last lumbar vertebra (L5) to form the lumbosacral joint.
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.
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 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).
superior articular process
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.
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 supraspinatus muscle has an attachment on the superior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus. It plays a key role in initiating shoulder abduction and stabilizing the shoulder joint.