The superior facets in the lumbar region face which directions?

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Multiple Choice

The superior facets in the lumbar region face which directions?

In the lumbar spine, the superior articular facets face posteromedially. This means they look backward toward the spinous processes and toward the midline. That orientation forms facet joints that glide mainly in the sagittal plane, which supports bending forward and backward (flexion and extension) while limiting twisting. The inferior facets pair with them in a way that complements this setup, so the overall movement pattern favors flexion/extension with less rotation. The directions “forwards” or “lateral” don’t match how these joints are arranged in the lumbar region, which is why they aren’t correct.

In the lumbar spine, the superior articular facets face posteromedially. This means they look backward toward the spinous processes and toward the midline. That orientation forms facet joints that glide mainly in the sagittal plane, which supports bending forward and backward (flexion and extension) while limiting twisting. The inferior facets pair with them in a way that complements this setup, so the overall movement pattern favors flexion/extension with less rotation. The directions “forwards” or “lateral” don’t match how these joints are arranged in the lumbar region, which is why they aren’t correct.

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