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 function of the transverse and spinous articular processes?
The transverse and spinous processes serve as important muscle attachment sites. A superior articular process extends or faces upward, and an inferior articular process faces or projects downward on each side of a vertebrae. Click to see full answer. Herein, what is the function of the articular process?
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 difference between superior and inferior articular facets?
As with the superior articular facets, the inferior ones vary in shape. Even though articular processes vary from one vertebral level to another, and even from one side to another, superior and inferior articulating processes of one Z joint conform to one another.
What is the function of superior articular process of vertebra?
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?
Each vertebra has two sets of facet joints. 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 is the inferior articular process?
: a process of a vertebra that lies on each side of the neural arch and projects downward and articulates with a superior articular process of the next more caudal vertebra The inferior articular processes have vertical convex articular facets which face anterolaterally. — Gray's Anatomy, 39th edition.
What is the superior and inferior articular surfaces?
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.
Which of the following is found between the superior and inferior articular processes?
Description. Also known as the zygapophyseal or apophyseal joint, is a synovial joint between the superior articular process of one vertebra and the inferior articular process of the vertebra directly above it.
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 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 does the superior articular facet articulate with?
Superior articular facet (Facies articularis superior) is an oval-shaped, concave structure on the superior aspect of the lateral mass. It articulates with an occipital condyle on the underside skull.
Where is inferior articular process located?
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.
What is the function of spinous process?
The spinous processes throughout the spine function as a series of levers both for muscles of posture and for muscles of active movement (Standring et al., 2008). Most of the muscles that attach to the spinous processes act to extend the vertebral column.
What joint is between articular processes?
zygapophyseal jointIt extends between the margins of the corresponding articular processes that form each zygapophyseal joint....TypeIntervertebral disc joint: Cartilaginous joint; symphysis Zygapophyseal joint: Synovial plane joint, nonaxial, uniplanarBlood supplySegmental arteries4 more rows•Sep 7, 2020
What provides an articulation point for the ribs?
There are two points of connection of the ribs with the thoracic vertebral column. One is at the vertebrae, and the second is at the transverse process. On the second through ninth thoracic vertebrae, these articulations are shared by adjacent vertebrae by a demifacet.