What are zygapophyseal joints?

Zygapophyseal joints, also known as facet joints, are indeed the joints between the articular processes of the vertebrae. These joints play a crucial role in the spinal column by providing stability and enabling movement. Each vertebra has two sets of articular processes—superior and inferior—that articulate with the corresponding processes of adjacent vertebrae. This articulation allows for flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral movement of the spine while also controlling the amount of movement to protect the spinal cord from excessive motion.

The zygapophyseal joints are also important in load-bearing and distributing compressive forces during various activities such as walking, lifting, and twisting. Their design helps to maintain the alignment of the vertebrae and provides proprioceptive feedback to the nervous system regarding spinal position.

In contrast, the other options refer to different anatomical structures. The connections between the sacrum and pelvis are known as sacroiliac joints, ligaments connecting vertebrae would involve structures such as interspinous and supraspinous ligaments, and the cartilage between the spinal discs pertains to intervertebral discs rather than the joints themselves. Understanding these distinctions reinforces the unique role zygapophyseal joints play in spinal structure and function