Articular vertebrae refer to the specific regions of the vertebral column that contain the articular processes, which are bony projections that form joints between adjacent vertebrae. These processes are crucial for stabilizing the spine and allowing for controlled movement, such as flexion, extension, and rotation. Each vertebra has two superior and two inferior articular processes that connect with neighboring vertebrae, contributing to the overall function of the spinal column.
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.
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 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.
Articular cartilage is found at the epiphysis because it provides a smooth surface for articulation within joints. It helps to reduce friction and allows for smooth movement between bones at the joint. The articular cartilage at the epiphysis is well-suited for weight-bearing and repetitive movements.
You have such facets on thoracic vertebrae. They are there to hold the ribs.
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 transverse process and the articular process also spinous process
The surface of the superior articular will work right above the inferior surface in a vertebra. This is not true in the atlas.
The median sacral crest on the sacrum is a bony ridge formed by fusion of sacral vertebrae, indicating where the individual vertebrae once were. In contrast, the median sacral crest on lumbar vertebrae does not exist, as lumbar vertebrae do not fuse in the same way as sacral vertebrae.
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.
Any of the vertebrae or lumbar all have facets on them, an example would be the articulate facet of vertebra
The vertebrae consist of the vertebral body, spinous process, transverse process, and articular processes. There are 33 vertebrae in total, including 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, 5 sacral vertebrae (fused into the sacrum), and 4 coccygeal vertebrae (fused into the coccyx).
A zygapophysis is a joint structure found in the vertebral column of animals, including humans. These paired processes help to stabilize the vertebrae and limit their movement by forming interlocking joints between adjacent vertebrae. They play a crucial role in providing support and facilitating movement in the spine.
Hypertrophy refers to the increase of the size of an organ, which can often be detrimental. The inferior articular process is a part of the vertebrae, and as such hypertrophy in this location can be extremely dangerous.
Absolutely! They have features unique to the region they are found in, relating to structure and therefore function. Typical cervical vertebrae (C3-C6) usually have bifid spinous processes which point slightly inferiorly. The spinous processes on lumbar vertebrae are oblong in shape and point directly posteriorly. The articular facets of cervical vertebrae face superior-inferiorly, whereas lumbar articular facets face medial-laterally. Cervical vertebrae have transverse foramen on right and left(containing the vertebral arteries), lumbar have none. They have mamillary processes on their superior articular processes. The bodies of lumbar vertebra are larger and thicker than cervical vertebrae, though they are oval/kidney shaped shaped in both regions. The transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae are much longer, for muscle attachment. Cervical vertebrae have anterior and posterior tubercles extending from their transverse processes. The pedicles of lumbar vertebrae are slightly longer and more defined than those of cervical vertebrae. I think that covers everything, let me know if you think of anything else!
The shape and arrangement of the superior and inferior articular processes in the lumbar vertebrae contribute to the range of motion and stability of the lumbar spine. The orientation of these processes helps to limit excessive rotation while allowing for flexion and extension movements.