Anatomy: Joints and Ligaments of the Spine Flashcards
What are the facet joints?
Set of synovial joints between the articular processes of two adjacent vertebrae
What direction are the superior articular facets of cervical vertebrae?
Face posteosuperiorly
What direction are the inferior articular facets of cervical vertebrae?
Face anteroinferiorly
What direction are the superior articular facets of thoracic vertebrae?
Face posterolaterally
What direction are the inferior articular facets of thoracic vertebrae?
Face anteromedially
What direction are the superior articular facets of lumbar vertebrae?
Face medially
What direction are the inferior articular facets of lumbar vertebrae?
Face laterally
What are the intervertebral discs?
Fibrocartilaginous cushions which allow the vertebral bodies indirectly articulate with eachother and act as shock absorbers of the spine
What type of joint are the vertebral body joints?
Cartilaginous joints
What covers the articular surfaces of the vertebral body joints?
Hyaline cartilage
What is the anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine?
Thick ligament which prevents hyperextension of the vertebral column
What is the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine?
Weaker ligament which prevents hyperflexion of the vertebral column
What is the ligamentum flavum of the spine?
Extends between lamina of adjacent vertebrae
What is the interspinous ligament of the spine?
Attach the spinous processes of adjacent vertebra
What is the supraspinous ligament of the spine?
Attach the tips of the spinous processes of adjacent vertebra
What are the transverse ligaments of the spine?
Extend between transverse processes
