Facet Joints - Labelled

Image Description:

Lumbar vertebrae with highlighted facet joint location. The lumbar vertebrae are the five individual cylindrical bones that form the spine between the rib cage and pelvis. They are responsible for carrying all the upper body weight and providing flexibility and movement to the lower trunk region. The facet joints provide the flexibility of the lumbar vertebrae. Problems with the facet joints can cause acute episodes of pain, more obvious when leaning backward than forward. The pain can radiate into the backside and to the back of the upper legs, and also upwards, into the shoulders and upper back.

Image File Sizes:

Anatomy Visible in the Medical Illustration Includes:

Lumbar vertebrae, facet joint, body of vertebra, facet capsule, spinous process

Image created by:

Joanna Culley