What is the function of the superior and inferior articular process

Articular processes spring from the junctions of the pedicles and laminæ, and there are two right and left, and two superior and inferior. These stick out of an end of a vertebra to lock with a zygapophysis on the next vertebra, to make the backbone more stable.

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 type of joint is between the superior and inferior articular processes of vertebrae?

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. There are two facet joints in each spinal motion segment.

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 does the superior articular process articulate with?

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.

Where is 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.

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, 2005.

What is the function of the curvatures of the vertebral column?

Curvatures of the Vertebral Column These curves increase the vertebral column’s strength, flexibility, and ability to absorb shock. When the load on the spine is increased, by carrying a heavy backpack for example, the curvatures increase in depth (become more curved) to accommodate the extra weight.

Why is there a size difference between the most superior and most inferior vertebrae what function would this difference serve?

There is a size difference between the most superior and inferior vertebrae because the inferior vertebrae need to support more weight.

What is the function of the spinous process of each vertebra?

Spinous process is a bony projection off the posterior (back) of each vertebra. The spinous process protrudes where the laminae of the vertebral arch join and provides the point of attachment for muscles and ligaments of the spine.

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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.

How does the structure and function of C1 and C2 differ from that of other vertebrae?

The C1 vertebra, also called atlas, is shaped like a ring. The C2 vertebra has an upward-facing long bony process called the dens. The dens forms a joint with the C1 vertebra and facilitates its turning motions, thereby allowing the head to turn in different directions.

What is the main function of the facet joints?

Small joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae. There are two facet joints at each level of the vertebral column, providing stability to the spinal column while allowing movement. They are found at every spinal level, except at the top level of the cervical spine.

What does the inferior articular facet of L5 articulate with?

One notable feature of L5 is that its inferior articular facets do not articulate with a sequential and inferior vertebra; they join to the sacrum. We thus call these facets on L5 the sacral articulation facets (Figure 1).

What is the purpose of the articular processes of the vertebrae quizlet?

The inferior articular processes of the superior vertebra articulate with the superior articular processes of the inferior vertebra. Spinal joints allow flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation, and gliding transitional movements. The large opening in the body of a vertebra allowing for passage of the spinal cord.

Where is the inferior articular facet?

On each side of the vertebral arch of each lumbar vertebra there is an inferior and a superior articular process. The inferior (lower) articular processes of one vertebra form a zygapophyseal joint (facet joint) with the superior (upper) articular processes of the vertebra below it to connect the two vertebrae.

What does articular process mean?

Medical Definition of articular process : either of two processes on each side of a vertebra that articulate with adjoining vertebrae: a : superior articular process. b : inferior articular process.

What is inferior articular surface?

Anatomical Parts 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.

Which spinal curvature is the most superior?

The cervical region of the spine is the most superior and contains seven small vertebrae. The main function of the cervical region is to facilitate attachment of the skull to the spine, protect the spinal cord over the exposed neck and shoulder region, and support the body.

Where is the articular process located?

Normal Anatomy The articular processes’ synovial intervertebral articulation complex is located dorsal to the vertebral canal and is composed of the caudal articular process of one vertebra, the joint space, and the cranial articular process of the following vertebra (Figures 52-12 through 52-14).

What is inferior vertebral notch?

Inferior vertebral notch are the concavities on the inferior aspect of the pedicle. When the vertebrae are articulated, the inferior and superior notches of each contiguous pair of bones form the intervertebral foramina.

How do the superior and inferior articular processes of the atlas differ from the same processes on a typical vertebra?

A superior articular process extends or faces upward, and an inferior articular process faces or projects downward on each side of a vertebrae. The paired superior articular processes of one vertebra join with the corresponding paired inferior articular processes from the next higher vertebra.

Why are the lumbar vertebrae the largest and strongest in the vertebral column?

There are 5 lumbar vertebrae (denoted as L1-L5) found in adult humans, and they are situated beneath the thoracic vertebrae, They are the largest, in terms of size, out of all the vertebrae because the lumbar vertebrae must be able to support the weight of the body when a person is standing due to the effects of …

What are the functions of the vertebral and intervertebral foramina?

The vertebral foramen provides for passage of the spinal cord. Each spinal nerve exits through an intervertebral foramen, located between adjacent vertebrae. Intervertebral discs unite the bodies of adjacent vertebrae.

What is the function of the curvatures of the vertebral column quizlet?

What is the function of the curvatures of the vertebral column? – Provide additional flexibility + shock absorbing resilience.

What is articular facet?

A facet is a flat or nearly flat surface on a bone. The vertebral articular facets are where two vertebrae articulate. There will be one pair of facets on the superior side of the vertebrae and one pair on the inferior side of the vertebrae.

What is the function of vertebral column Class 6?

It is made up of many small bones called vertebrae. There are 33 vertebrae. The rib cage is joined to these bones. The function of this bone is to support our body’s weight as well as to protect the spinal cord.

What is the function of the spinous process of each vertebra quizlet?

Spinous process is a bony projection off the posterior (back) of each vertebra. The spinous process protrudes where the laminae of the vertebral arch join and provides the point of attachment for muscles and ligaments of the spine.

What is the function of the spinous and transverse process of the vertebrae?

The spinous process serves to attach muscles and ligaments. The two transverse processes, one on each side of the vertebral body, project laterally from either side at the point where the lamina joins the pedicle, between the superior and inferior articular processes.

What is the function of the vertebral body?

The major function of the vertebral column is protection of the spinal cord; it also provides stiffening for the body and attachment for the pectoral and pelvic girdles and many muscles. In humans an additional function is to transmit body weight in walking and standing.

What is the inferior opening of the sacrum?

Sacral hiatus (hiatus sacralis) is a U-shaped opening at the inferior end of the sacral canal that is bordered laterally by the two sacral cornua. It results when the two opposing lamina of the 5th sacral vertebrae do not fuse.