yogabuch / gelenke / facet joint
Facet joint (zygapophysial, vertebral arch joint)
The facet joints (vertebral arch joints, articulationes zygapophysiales) are paired,
true joints on both sides between the superior and inferior articular processes of two
of two neighboring vertebral bodies. As the articular surfaces in the lumbar spine are almost vertical,
the extension capability is particularly pronounced there.
The tension of the capsule depends on the mobility:
rather loose in the cervical spine, rather tight in the less mobile thoracic spine.
Articulating bones
Ligaments
For pictures of the ligaments, see the vertebrae.